TEENAGERS across South Lakeland accepted an invitation to take stock of their futures by attending a special careers event.

Almost 650 Year 9 pupils from schools in the area, and their parents, turned out for three open evenings at Kendal Careers Centre to learn about their future options.

Geoff Barrett, centre manager, explained the 13 and 14-year-olds would soon be choosing their GCSE subjects, and were being encouraged to consider possible career paths.

"The evenings were to get the ball rolling in terms of looking at careers in the future," he told the Gazette, adding the event had been "extremely successful."

"This is an important time," continued Mr Barrett.

"Higher education seems a long way off, but it is a good time to start raising awareness as well as talking to people about the options.

It is also about raising aspirations."

Staff were on hand to answer career-related questions about the array of opportunities available, from further and higher education to work-based training.

Further information can be obtained from Kendal Career Centre, on Highgate, from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Thursday, and until 4.30pm on Friday.