GAZETTE & HERALD: Students from Abbeyfield School learned some essential skills for business when members of Chippenham Chamber of Commerce presented a series of interactive workshops.

The Year 10 pupils gathered for the Skills for Business Event in advance of undertaking week-long work placements later in the year.

Members of the Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, which represents local businesses, delivered presentations on subjects including writing job applications, communication skills and body language and what to wear to interviews and work.

Trish Shubrook, headteacher at Abbeyfield and a member of the Chippenham Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee was delighted with the outcome of the event.

She said: "The staff and students really appreciated hearing it 'straight from the horses' mouth' as it were."

The students commented on how they would be using this information in interviews and how it had raised their confidence in work experience.

Martin Short, president of the Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, said: "We were particularly impressed with the enthusiasm the students demonstrated, their confidence and their presentations skills."