A CROSSFLATTS company's work experience programme is going from strength to strength.

UK Asset Resolution Limited (UKAR) has taken on a cohort of students for the third year running.

Sixteen youngsters spent a week with the firm, working in different departments.

And they learned about UKAR's apprenticeship schemes.

"We are committed to making a contribution to the communities we operate in and we’re delighted that our colleagues are helping students from local schools," said the company's head of recruitment, Sue Bonelle.

"In partnership with Xperience and Connexions, we believe quality work experience is a valuable and important way of helping young people to gain an insight into working life.

"It offers an opportunity for accreditation and to develop employability and enterprise skills in a unique and motivational learning environment.

"Research suggests that work experience participants are more likely to gain future employment or complete further education."

UKAR manages the seventh largest mortgage book in the UK, with loans totalling £61 billion.

It has a 2,100-strong workforce, with sites in Crossflatts and Doxford, Sunderland.