TEENAGERS in the New Forest are being offered the chance of an IT image makeover to boost their chances of a job.

An open day for 16 to 18-year-olds is being held at the Advanced Training Centre (ATC) in Lymington, enabling school leavers to learn how to improve the look of their CVs and job application letters.

The ATC started in St Thomas Street a year ago and aims to supply a wide range of vocational training including computers, hairdressing, business administration and retailing.

Pupils who have just left secondary schools in Lymington and New Milton have been invited to the open day, which runs from 10am to 4.30pm on Monday.

But ATC manager Rodney Dale said: "This event is not just for school leavers - any young person who wants to find out about work placements and training is welcome to come along, and we are open to adults too.

The Lymington ATC is planning another open day on Wednesday, July 4, from 10am to 7pm for the local business community.

"We are very dependent on firms to provide work placements for trainees," Mr Dale said.

"This will be an opportunity for them to find out more about the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

"It's a way to make sure your staff have been trained to the highest standards."

Lymington ATC is part of one of the south's largest training organisations and is a registered charity funded via links with the Employment Service and Learning Skills Council.