WHEN 15-year-old Alan Wilkinson was choosing where to do his school work experience, he decided he would like to find out more about Pendle Council and thought the best place to start was the top.

After discussing his options with council leader Azhar Ali, Alan got in touch with chief executive Stephen Barnes, who said he could shadow him for two weeks.

He will now have to write a report about his time at the town hall and return to the more menial task of receiving his mock GCSE results.

During the two weeks, Mr Barnes explained the various parts of his job to Alan and the teenager spent time at meetings and doing office work.

Alan, a pupil at Park High School, in Colne, said: "I thought it would be an interesting experience and it has been. I have worked in the office and seen what the secretaries do and how much work they have to put in and met people in all the council departments.

"I didn't really know what to expect before I started but it's been terrific. The best point was seeing how the council and all the other departments work.

"I have very much enjoyed my time here and recorded everything I have done in a book, which will go towards my record of achievement."

Mr Barnes was impressed with Alan's work and said it was a good way for him to find out what younger people thought of the council.

He said: "It is a good way into the council and a good way to attract young people because these are young people's jobs.

"It has gone well and Alan has been to important meetings where he has observed the management team discussing the budget, as well as internal meetings, which students probably wouldn't normally get to do on work experience.