A new graduate has been chosen to advise one of the UK’s leading companies on how to reach out to young people.

Aspiring young businesswoman Roselyn Xavier, 21, from Manor Park, now sits on the first Young Members’ Board of The Co-operative alongside 15 other 16 to 25-year-olds from across the country.

The board will meet eight times a year and work on specific projects and strategies to inspire change in future generations and explore new ways for the company to appeal to and involve young people.

They will also research how the age group feels about The Co-operative and present their findings and views to the Group Board and senior managers.

Roselyn, who graduated in Economics this year, said: “I am really surprised and delighted to have been selected - it’s really exciting and I can’t wait to get started.

“I am especially looking forward to finding out more about the business challenges that we’ll be set.”

At his first meeting with the board members, The Co-operative’s Group Chief Executive, Euan Sutherland, said: “Often when we talk about inspiring young people we mean how the older generation can help younger people but I believe these board members have the enthusiasm and drive for co-operation which will act as an inspiration to us all.

“The Young Members’ Board will provide these young people with real responsibilities and opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge and experience. I have asked them to look at all aspects of our businesses from product innovation through to business development and to report back to me and my other senior managers.”