AN industrial face mask maker is working with schools to get more girls studying core subjects.

3M, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has signed up to the Government's Your Life campaign, which aims to increase focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).

The national scheme aims to double the number of women studying engineering and technology degrees at undergraduate level by 2030.

Bosses at 3M say they will increase its number of female science and engineering Stem ambassadors, who will work with schools and colleges.

They have also pledged to make the Aycliffe plant a partner of at least one school in the area.

Paul Keel, managing director, said: “As a technology company, we understand the importance of Stem subjects and people with those qualifications form a large part of our employee base.

“However, the Government and industry alike recognise that too few pupils are staying with these subjects beyond GCSE, an issue even more acute among female students.

“We therefore aim to help increase this talent pool by working with educational specialists to help make these subjects real and relevant to pupils.”