FENLAND’S secondary schools and colleges are being encouraged to build stronger links with former students.

Education charity Future First, which works in more than 500 schools and colleges nationwide, has secured a £10,000 grant by legal firm Taylor Wessing to offer its alumni management service free to participating schools for a year.

A Future First spokesman said: “Alumni can support current students in a number of ways - as career and education role models, mentors or e-mentors, work experience providers, governors, fundraisers and donors.”

The charity has set up links with Sir Harry Smith Community College, Whittlesey.

People wishing to support their former school should visitwww.futurefirst.org.uk and click on the “former students” link.