YOUNG PEOPLE'S COLLEGE IS CHELTENHAM SHOPPING CENTRE'S CHOSEN CHARITY

Beechwood Shopping Centre in Cheltenham has chosen the National Star College as its nominated charity for 2010.

Fundraising from events held at the centre throughout the year will be donated to the Cheltenham-based charity which helps young disabled people discover their potential and prepare for adult life.

Owen Acland, Beechwood's centre manager and Martin Quantock, Cheltenham’s town centre manager will be officially opening the revamped student shop at the National Star College this week.

Students will be running the new-look, larger shop themselves, learning vital skills while working in a real life business. The shop, which is open to staff and students at the college, will teach students about retail, cash flow, stock taking and running a business.

Mr Acland said he had been keen to been support a local charity since taking up his new appointment in January and he said he was delighted to announce the centre’s association with the college.

“Beechwood has always tried to be part of the local community but we felt that this year we wanted to do even more and we have chosen to support the National Star College because of its tremendous work for young people, both locally and nationally. It’s such a worthwhile cause and we hope the people of Cheltenham will do all they can to support our fundraising efforts throughout the year.”

“Mr Quantock said: “Beechwood is one of Cheltenham’s major shopping destinations and attracts many visitorsand this will give wide publicity for the National Star College which will be reflected in its support of the college. I’m delighted to be part of the opening of its new shop to kickstart that relationship.”

Mike Youart, Job Mentor at the National Star College said, “Students can’t wait to officially open their shop and start trading. The shop will now be selling a wider variety of things with Fair Trade produce through a link with Stroud Oxfam.”

For more information about National Star College see www.natstar.ac.uk