The Paget hotel is to make nearby Paget Primary School its own pet project.

And to kick off what hotel bosses hope will be long association, the hotel will present a Primary 1 class with a brand-new TV.

Elbow Beach human resources chief Robert Calderon said a meeting of hotel executives decided to forge closer links with the community and the local school was selected as an ideal candidate.

"It was decided we needed to get more involved in what takes place outside the hotel and become better corporate citizens,'' Mr. Calderon said. "We want to lend our support to the school financially and in any other way we can -- Elbow Beach can play a valuable role in the development of young people.'' Mr. Calderon said the link would be two-way and could bring benefits to the hotel by boosting the image of the hotel industry in the eyes of possible future recruits.

He added: "It's our intention at some point beginning next year to have managers visit the school and get involved in the affairs of the school and show some interest in what the children are learning.

"We want to tell them about our industry at an early age and shine a positive light on it as a possible place of employment.

"Tourism is becoming a bigger part of the curriculum in schools and where we could play a more substantial role is by giving youngsters a greater insight into what our industry is all about and helping them with their studies.'' EDUCATION ED