RABY Estates and Teesdale Comprehensive School have joined forces to build and strengthen a partnership between education and business.

Raby Estates has given the GCSE business studies students a chance to gain practical experience in a business setting.

One student, Dale Hutchinson, said: "It's moving classroom work out into the workplace."

Catherine Turnbull, marketing supervisor for Raby Estates, has asked the students to carry out market research into the types of visitors to Raby Castle.

The project was launched at the beginning of May with a presentation, followed by a guided tour of the castle, its gardens and grounds.

Since then, the students have designed a questionnaire and started carrying out their data collection at the castle.

The students are now working in small groups to analyse their findings, and will make short presentations in the near future.

The best presentation will be awarded with the Raby Estates Business Studies Trophy plus some book tokens, at the school's annual presentation evening in December.

As well as widening their subject knowledge, the students are gaining skills in communication, and building their confidence and responsibility.

Student Natalie Wallis said: "It's good to be in a real working environment and having contact with people."

The students have worked extremely hard and with great enthusiasm on the project, applying theory to a real working example.

This enjoyment was reflected by Nicola Simpson, who said: "It's good to develop your skills outside the classroom.