A GROUP of pupils from seven Dundee secondary schools joined forces to plan and deliver a special festive lunch as part of the MYQUEST programme.

The winter school leavers from St John's, Menzieshill and Craigie High Schools along with St Paul's, Braeview, Morgan and Harris Academies, have been working since the summer with local training company, Quest Scotland Ltd.

Each week, as part of the More Choices More Chances programme, the pupils have been learning about business skills, receiving advice and support from the Helm Employment and Training Group and Fairbridge in Dundee to help develop their confidence and life skills.

Areas including profit and loss, cash flow and turnover have been studied so that the preparation and implementation of the lunch goes to plan.

Convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee, Will Dawson who opened the lunch today who was among a number of VIP guests said: "The hard work and effort that these 15 young people have put in to organising every aspect of this event will help to increase their self-esteem, confidence, team building skills and awareness of the world of work.

"The activities they have taken part in have raised their aspirations while developing new skills and we hope it will go a long way to helping to open up more opportunities for their future."

Dundee City Council's economic development and education departments successfully bid for funding from the Big Lottery and appointed Quest Scotland Ltd to deliver the programme.

A donation of sweets and toiletries from the proceeds of the lunch event will go to the Dundee branch of Action for Children.