Parents, families and carers are invited to a ground-breaking event aimed at raising young people's future aspirations in the Forest of Dean.

Inspiring the Forest has been organised by the Forest of Dean Economic Partnership (FEP) and is being held at Gloucestershire College's Cinderford campus this Thursday (November 24).

Over 700 Year 9 (13-14 yr olds) students from six Forest schools will be attending the day long event from 9am to 5pm. Parents, families and carers are invited to attend from 3pm.

Sandra Tyrrell of Gloucestershire College said: "Inspiring the Forest is an exciting first for the Forest of Dean community and we realise there will be much interest in it.

"From 3pm-5pm the campus will remain open for young people to call in with their parents or carers - even if they are not currently Year 9 students."

Wendy Jackson, regeneration manager for the Forest of Dean District Council and an FEP director, added: "This event is built around family and the multi-generation experience. Many local families already have a strong manufacturing and engineering work history but others may not.

"The event is aimed to showcase Forest businesses in five different sectors. It would be great for family members to come along to see a number of career paths that are open to people right now and right on our doorstep."