A MENTORING programme pioneered at Alloa's glassworks has been recognised by a national industry accolade.

The mentoring programme at O-I's plant in the town received the trophy in the Strengthening Business Through People category in this year's Glass Focus awards, organised by industry association British Glass.

In the programme, the plant works in partnership with charity Career Ready which connect young people with businesses to prepare them for employment.

The initiative saw seven O-I mentors from a wide variety of departments take on a local young person from Alloa, Alva and Lornshill academies as well as St Modan's and Stirling high schools from the wider area.

They enrolled into a two-year programme, including an integrated work placement at school and paid internships at the plant in the second year.

Two young people later decided to start their careers at the glassworks, one on an engineering apprenticeship and the second within the quality assurance department.

Jim Rankine, country group executive for O-I UK, said: "This innovative initiative inspires students to find a passion for glass and its endless potential as they work safely alongside and learn from the very best in our business."

The second round of students, from the same schools, are set to start in August 2020.

Mhairi Prendergast, from Career Ready, added: "We'd like to congratulate O-I for this incredible recognition of their commitment to the Career Ready Programme in Forth Valley. O-I, alongside our growing network of employers, make the programme possible for so many young people in Forth Valley, playing a crucial role in boosting social mobility across Scotland."