THE young stars of Retail Gold made a red carpet, ‘paparazzi’ entrance at a celebration of their hard work.

The celebration at the Apartment in Newcastle included a film premiere theme and featured a DVD diary of the BTEC retail students’ experiences during placements at top stores in Newcastle’s Eldon Square and the MetroCentre.

A total of 36 students from Gosforth High School, Westgate College in Newcastle and St Robert’s School in Sunderland, took part in the ‘Retail Gold’ programme – the third of its kind – this year, benefiting from placements at House of Fraser, Collectables, BHS, John Lewis, Magic Box, WH Smith, Top Shop, Boots, Paris, Isis and Barratts.

“It’s been a great experience,” said 18-year-old Gosforth High School student Mamnunur Rahman. “Before our work placements we did health and safety training and customer service role play. Now we’ve gone on to gain some retail skills and an insight into selling and merchandising techniques.”