A LAW firm has linked up with a housing association to give teenagers a head start to a possible legal career.

Botley-based Morgan Cole is working with housing provider Cottsway in a scheme which sees the youngsters, who all live in its properties, given the chance to spend a week working with trainee solicitors.

The Growing Ambitions programme includes visits to court, taking part in workshops to learn skills such as negotiation and presentation as well as time with human resources professionals who give tips on interview techniques and completing applications forms.

Charlotte Wood, 15, from Witney, said: “The time has really helped me see what I want to do in the future and how I can get there. I’m glad I signed up. I found the visit to the court really interesting.”

Morgan Cole partner William Downing said: “As a firm we want to encourage the aspirations of young people and to be involved in helping our housing clients tackle this issue.”

Maggie Newton, community network officer for Cottsway, added: “With latest statistics showing that nearly 55 per cent of social housing tenants are unemployed, it’s really good to see Morgan Cole reaching out to our young people as they are helping the people who have the most challenges.”