Young people were given the chance to put on a stethoscope and learn about a life in medicine at a new work experience programme run by Addenbrooke's.

Thirty six students from schools across Cambridgeshire took part in the four-day courses where they learned about roles including nursing, midwifery and operating theatre work. The programme, Caring in the NHS, was organised by Anglia Ruskin University and gave teenagers aged 14 to 18 and opportunity to try their hands at practical activities like measuring blood pressure. At the same time, at a second programme offered medical work experience for 16 to 18 - year-olds who are interested in studying medicine by shadowing doctors at work.

Laura Banks, the programme organiser, said: "We want to demonstrate just how rewarding a career in the NHS can be - but age restrictions mean that it's difficult to arrange work experience visits to hospitals for young people. We want to show these students what we have to offer and give them the knowledge they need to make an informed choice about their future".