BLACKPOOL students have been hard at work -- and now the time has come to celebrate!

Pupils from the town will join employers, teachers, parents and other students from across Lancashire at Blackpool's De Vere Hotel on May 4 to mark the success of a work experience programme for students who are practically, rather than academically, inclined.

The event, one of two in Lancashire this year, will include a presentation of awards to students and employers, and both Michael Jack MP and Blackpool Council's director of education David Sanders are expected to attend.

The work experience project, involving more than 150 children, has been run by West Lancashire-based Education Business Partnership to increase students' key skills, such as IT, problem solving and communication.

Since September students nominated by their school have spent two or three days a week in lessons and the rest of the week with a company. Many of them have gained apprenticeships as a result.

Joanne Baker, the organisation's work-related learning co-ordinator for Lancaster, Morecambe and the Fylde, said: "We have had 160 students on the programme and it's been very successful. We deal with a lot of projects for education for 16-year-olds and under, plus sixth formers.

"This event is like a pat on the back to the students and a big thank you to employers."

Bill Strain, work-related learning team leader, praised employers who had taken part. "We are really are delighted at the success of it. It's been tremendous.

"Employers are contributing towards shaping the next workforce. When you see youngsters improve it is very satisfying." Plans are already in place to repeat the scheme this year, he added.