CREATIVE and digital agencies in Boscombe have teamed up to promote the area and inspire young talent.

They have formed a collective, Boscombe Creative Alliance (BCA), to make people aware of the opportunities locally.

BCA recently held the first of what it plans to be annual 'agency open days'. It attracted students from Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth Univeristy and Bournemouth and Poole College, to find out about careers in the sector.

Students also learned about career opportunities, apprenticeships and internships at the agencies in Boscombe.

More announcements about a placement programme, as well as creative awards for students, were later announced at an event held by the BCA at the offices of brand design agency the Global Group in Shelley Road East. Local businesses including Rock Recruitment, along with course leaders from higher and further education institutions, attended.

Darren Mooney, founder of Global Group, created the collective with other local agencies and with backing from Bournemouth Borough Council.

Mr Mooney, who serves as a director of the BCA, said: “The BCA was born from the desire to raise the profile of the creative and digital sector in Boscombe – to connect businesses to opportunities, improve the fantastic area where we live and work, and to most importantly inspire and engage with the young creatives of tomorrow.

"Through this innovative partnership, the BCA is now actively involved with local universities, the wider creative sector in Bournemouth and in shaping the future of the area.”

Members of the BCA give weekly mentoring sessions to students from St Peter's and Avonbourne sixth forms, who have formed companies through a partnership with Young Enterprise.

Kate Greenham, Boscombe Creative Alliance manager, said: “ We are already seeing success from the programme of projects that we run and are immensely proud that both of our Young Enterprise teams are through to the Young Enterprise Dorset Finals on May 11.

"We are committed to continuing our work with Young Enterprise, creating new opportunities for students in the town as well as attracting and retaining creative talent."

Cllr Jane Kelly, Boscombe West councillor and the council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The collaboration with Boscombe based creative agencies and the Council is unique. The commitment of Boscombe Creative Alliance in collaborative working for the benefit of Boscombe and to young people is exceptional."

Details of BCA and its projects are at b-c-a.org