Giving their time to help up-and-coming students is all part of the job for staff at engineering firm TPS Consult.

The company, based in the Whitgift Centre, works closely with students and teachers at Archbishop Tenison School in Selborne Road, Croydon.

From director level down, TPS staff keep in regular contact with the school and help mentor GCSE pupils.

Architects from TPS have also advised the school about access for pupils and visitors with a disability.

TPS director Kieran Soughton says: "The company was approached by the school to help with their mathematics and art.

"We were able to involve our engineering and architecture graduates in mentoring pupils which helps them understand the practical applications of their studies and the graduates improve their communication skills."

The construction company has also taken some of the school's pupils on work experience placements and one member of staff has become a governor at the secondary school, building on the links already established between the business and education sectors.

TPS is one of the UK's largest construction design companies. It provides an architectural and engineering design service which includes planning and project management for both the commercial and public sector.

Some of the schemes they have been involved with include Terminal Five at Heathrow Airport, the Trafalgar Square pedestrianisation and more locally with Croydon Tramlink and working on projects with Croydon Council.

Kieran, 44, supports his company's involvement with Archbishop Tenison, saying: "We are very pleased to support the school in making education relevant to pupils and are delighted to be nominated for the award."

Charles Fillingham, director of studies at Archbishop Tenison School, nominated TPS Consult for the business award saying: "TPS has gone out of its way to help our school. They have gone the extra mile by diverting time and energy into helping school pupils. We are grateful to TPS for their time and effort."