STUDENTS at a Hampshire school have gained an invaluable insight into the world of accountancy – thanks to pasta and marshmallows.

More than 100 youngsters from Woodlands Community College in Southampton were invited to Whiteley-based Menzies LLP.

They discovered the variety of roles existing within the industry as well as learning the importance of budgeting through a unique exercise.

Working in small groups, they used spaghetti and marshmallows to create as tall a tower as possible.

Each team had a limited pot to spend on materials, with penalties and changes made to the allowances throughout the session.

It aimed to raise awareness of how a change in budget can have a knock on effect elsewhere.