Teenagers have embarked on an eight-day citizenship course which will give them a better understanding of how Oxford works.

The aim of the Your Turn scheme, which is run by educational organisation Common Purpose, is to give young people more interest in and knowledge of their community.

A total of 25 teenagers from eight Oxfordshire schools are taking part. They will meet with people who influence the area, such as police leaders, senior executives and community workers.

They will also visit businesses, including the Oxford Mail, Oxford United, Thames Water, the Williams F1 racing team and the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.

Elizabeth Gilpin, headteacher at St Augustine's School, Oxford, said: "Students find it a valuable experience for confidence and understanding the workings of Oxford city."

Event manager Ruth Dowsett said: "Your Turn takes young people out of their comfort zones and it challenges them to think above and beyond their normal sphere of learning.

"It also empowers them by giving them a voice and a say in the future of their city."