SECONDARY schools in Swindon and across the UK are being invited to pitch ideas for a new Channel 4 TV programme in a nation-wide competition.

The competition is part of the broadcaster's 4Schools initiative which aims to encourage students to consider the wide range of careers available to them in the world of broadcasting.

Students will be invited to imagine that Channel 4 is looking for a new show which based in a school, youth club or sports club.

Managing director for nations and regions, Sinead Rocks said: “Setting this challenge to schools offers students unique insight into how programmes are chosen to be made, and the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

In groups, students will need to come up with a show premise, create a pitch and produce a short teaser trailer or an advertising poster  before June 17 to convince a Channel 4 programme commissioner that theirs is the best idea.

The winning team will receive an all-expenses paid trip to a Channel 4 set to see how a real TV show gets made.

A set of support materials to aid learning and guide students through the commissioning process is available to students and staff on the 4Schools website, along with the rules.