THREE Gwent students were among eight from Wales to spend this week enjoying work experience in London’s Square Mile.

The pupils from Newport, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly gained first-hand experience of working life in the city after successfully competing with 14 to 18 year-olds from across Wales for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Rhiannon Bartlett who studies at Bedwas High School, Emily-Mae Herring from Tredegar Comprehensive School and Billy Mazoya from Lliswerry High School spent the week designing their own Dragon’s Den style pitch for a new business, charity, app, political party or newspaper .

They also enjoyed guided tours of high profile premises including Eversheds, the House of Lords and City Hall and were treated to board and lodge at the London Imperial College.

Tomorrow they are returning to Cardiff and will draw on their new skills as they pitch their ideas to a panel of guest dragons from the business world.

The week’s work experience was part of the Welsh Government’s Pupil Offer and was organised by London based Legal consultancy Judicium.

Dr Alex Mehta from Judicium said: “We have been incredibly impressed by the students. Within three hours of arriving they had already decided upon their Dragons Den pitches.

"I've been listening and watching as the teams develops their ideas this week, and I've been honestly blown away. Unlike what I've seen on telly shows, there is no politics or manoeuvring. Rather, the kids have rolled up their sleeves, cracked on and got on. "

Education Minister Huw Lewis said: “I am very proud of our Pupil Offer which is continuing to deliver once in a lifetime opportunities for Welsh learners from less advantaged communities.

“I am sure the experience will have a real and lasting impact on the pupils. I hope it will open their eyes to new and exciting career opportunities and inspire each and every one to set their aspirations high.”