Primary school children got a taste for the working world when they were set loose in a shopping centre.

Children from Holy Trinity C of E School in Darwen joined staff at The Mall Blackburn as part of their annual Takeover Day initiative.

Takeover Day gives kids the chance to shadow professionals and see what is involved in the day-to-day operations of a shopping centre.

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall, said: “Takeover Day is one of our favourite days here at The Mall Blackburn and this year was no exception.

“It was wonderful to see how inquisitive the children were and they asked lots of brilliant questions throughout the day."

The year five and six pupils were taken on a behind the scenes tour, which included the security offices, sprinkler room, recycling area and control room.

They also visited the management offices and the Ask Me Point to learn about how each role contributes to the running of The Mall.

Children also designed posters advertising what they would like to see in The Mall - from an indoor cinema experience to a dedicated games area - and presented them to the management team.

Mrs Jones added: "At the end of the day we always ask the children what their favourite part of the tour was and, as always, every child said it was the control room, where all the CCTV cameras are.

“We loved hearing their ideas and seeing their marketing posters, and I am sure, from our conversations with the youngsters, that there are a lot of future retailers, security personnel and retail management candidates amongst the class.”

Jayden who is in year five, said: “It was really exciting to visit The Mall today as you don’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes.

“If I had to choose a job at The Mall, I would want to be in charge like Loraine”

Teacher, Hannah Connearn added: “We're continuously looking to create links with local workplaces so when I heard about Takeover Day, I thought it would be a great opportunity for the children.

“We want to provide life experience that will resonate in the childrens’ memories, and were not disappointed."

Schools that would like to take part in next year’s Takeover Day should e-mail jason.cothliff@themall.co.uk