A THEATRE group and popular North-East radio presenter Gregg Upwards helped give teenagers ideas about choosing the right career.

Cragrats Theatre Group gave a 45-minute performance about issues and problems involved in choosing a career at St John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland.

Afterwards, Mr Upwards, a TFM radio breakfast show presenter, spoke to students about how he came to carve out a career in radio.

Later, students took part in workshops which were designed to help them make decisions about their futures.

Mr Upwards said: "I spend the majority of my working week going around schools and colleges. I do it for moral support and because it is something I never had as a kid.''

The idea to use drama to help with careers advice has been used at St John's for five years. The scheme is funded by The Learning Skills Council.

Lisa Byron, head of careers at the school, said: "As always, Cragrats have been fantastic, enjoyable and very informative. This encourages students to think about how to handle interviews and create good first impressions with employers.''