A packed out careers evening at a Garston school gave pupils the opportunity to consider their future professions.

More than 500 visitors spent the evening at Parmiter’s School in High Elms Lane in Garston, benefiting from professional experience, knowledge and inside information.

Pupils and parents were invited to visit stands from more than 90 businesses from different industries including the armed forces, police, fire brigade, education, law, media, banking, science and engineering.

Also present were representatives from Easyjet, Marks and Spencer, Faber Maunsell, HSBC, NatWest, accountants Delloitte & Touche and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Head of Careers Rosemary Franklin said: “The numbers of students and parents, and level of activity have made it an exhilarating evening.

“It’s particularly nice to see former students such as Jeremy Stevenson and Matthew Williams of Price Waterhouse Coopers, now with successful careers, returning in a professional capacity to share their knowledge and experience with those who seek to follow them.”

Lower sixth student Anoushka Nayee found the evening very useful and has taken an interest in banking.

She said: “The people from HSBC were able to advise me on how to go about getting an internship in order to find out more about what banking entails and whether or not this is the path I wish to follow.”

Parent Helen Clark was particularly impressed by the scope of careers exhibited at the forum.

“My son was able to investigate career paths he hadn’t previously considered and given valuable advice from specialist representatives – a fantastic evening,” she said Army Careers Advisor, Sergeant Michael Seymour, of the Royal Anglican Regiment, added: “This is a well organised and attended event and in my opinion certainly in the top three of its type in Hertfordshire and Beds.

"I was impressed by the genuine interest shown by the students and their articulate and well informed questions.”