BMX specialists, a wine estate and a high-tech firm have beeen throwing their doors open to give young people the chance to see their business in operation.

A pair of sessions showing school children the world of work started on Saturday and will be repeated this weekend.

It is part of the Open Doors scheme, run by East Sussex County Council on behalf of Skills East Sussex, the county’s strategic body for employment and skills.

The scheme also features weekday meetings, for which nearly 40 businesses across the county have signed up.

The companies taking part are Hastings-based BMX-specialist and skate park operator The Source, Ditchling-based Ridgeview Wine Estate and Laughton-based UHV Design, which helps firms move objects in an ultra-high vacuum environment similar to that found in space.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, county council lead member for economy, said: "The Open Doors project is a valuable opportunity for young people to get an insight into the world of work, find their path in life and boost their career prospects.

"We’ve had a fantastic response to the scheme from businesses around the county, and these Saturday sessions give an additional opportunity for children and their parents to get involved.

"There’s evidence to show the more contact young people have with employers while they’re at school, the greater their chance of being in work, education or training when they’re older.

"I’d really encourage parents to sign their child up for a chance to get a glimpse into some really varied and interesting businesses."

Evidence suggests that the more encounters with employers young people have at school, the more likely they are to be in employment, education or training as an adult.

The students that will participate in Open Doors are about to choose the subjects they will study for GCSE.

Councillor Simmons has long been a supporter of giving young people as much work experience as possible before they enter the world of work.

The session will next run on Saturday, November 19.

Any parent who would like more information or to sign up their child for one of the sessions is asked to email OpenDoors@eastsussex.gov.uk