Rachel Dale, 20, is on a two-month placement at the Rainbow Centre in Fareham, where she is working on the charity's corporate strategy and marketing.

The university student, originally from Reigate in Surrey, joined the children's centre as part of the Shell Step Scheme, a UK-wide programme offering undergraduates work within small and medium businesses.

Rachel, who is studying studying French, Spanish and European Studies, said: 'I really enjoy working at the Rainbow Centre. I've been able to take on ownership of the project, which enables me to improve and develop core business skills.'

The Shell Step scheme is funded partly by Shell and partly by the company.

For the Rainbow Centre, local financial consultancy firm Quayside Associates is helping with the costs of the placement.

Helen Somerset How, a co-founder and appeals director at the centre, said: 'We have been impressed with Rachel's ideas to develop the charity's funding streams.'