A group of young public relations hopefuls from the University of Gloucestershire received a real boost to their studies as they met with senior PR professionals at Cheltenham-based Target Marketing Communications.

Led by head of PR Sarah Bryars, Target staff shared their experiences and knowledge with first-year students on the inaugural PR degree course at the University, offering them a first-hand insight into their chosen industries.

The visit included a presentation of some of Target's recent work for clients including Powergen, First Great Western and Specsavers Opticians, a question and answer session with senior PR professionals and a tour of the business including Target's creative, studio and advertising teams.

"The link with the University of Gloucestershire is part of a continued commitment to our local community," said Sarah Bryars

"It was a fantastic opportunity to meet the next wave of Cheltenham's young PR professionals and offer them encouragement. We hope that through our links with the University of Gloucestershire we will be able to offer continued support to this group of students as they take the first steps towards a successful PR career."

Averill Gordon, course leader and senior lecturer on the public relations degree course says: "We were delighted to accept Target's kind invitation; it was an excellent opportunity for the students. They were all really impressed and left Target visibly inspired!"