A TOP businessman and former England Rugby Union captain is to work with pupils at a York school as part of a national pilot to develop business and enterprise.

Burnholme Community College is one of 12 schools across the country taking part in the Enterprise In Residence scheme, run by Enterprise Insight, which is a venture between national leading business organisations.

David Perry, the former boss of games manufacturer, John Waddingtons, will go into Burnholme Community College for three years.

The school was asked by the North Yorkshire Business and Enterprise Partnership to take part in the scheme.

The former rugby player, who won 15 caps during the 1960s, will work with students to incorporate business into a range of subjects including maths and science.

He will also work with staff as well as the school's senior management team to enhance their bid for Investors In People.

During his business career, Mr Perry has been connected with Bellway Homes, Anglian Group Plc, Minorplanet Systems Plc, the National & Provincial Building Society, and is a Companion of the Institute of Management.

The school is hoping to tap into the skills and experiences gained throughout his career and use them within school.

John Fletcher, head of careers at the school, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the school to draw on a lifetime's experience in all aspects of business and enterprise.

"We are hoping to tap into David's 40-years of business experience and connections. With him as a partner of the school we can use that expertise to make things better for the kids and make the curriculum come alive."

Discussions are ongoing about how much time David will spend in the school during the three-year scheme but Mr Fletcher is hoping to use his skills to the full.

He said: "We want him to spend as much time here as possible and become part of the school where he can feel welcome and valued."

Further information about the scheme can be found at the school's open evening, which takes place this evening from 7pm.

Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, October 16, 2002