THE excellence of its work experience programme and contribution to preparing students for the world of work has earned a business accolade for Debenhams.

MP Julian Brazier presented the Kent and Medway Education Business Alliance award during a ceremony at the Canterbury store attended by staff and students from schools who have taken part in the scheme.

It recognises the company's achievement in organising a high-quality programme.

Store manager Peter Moore said Debenhams took about 50 work experience candidates a year as well as offering work placements of up to three months for UK and foreign students, sponsoring schools' fashion shows and involvement in other work-related learning schemes.

"They all go through an assessment, job application and interview process as if they were joining us," he said."We tailor individual progammes, review what they have done and give them a resume their records for future employers."