Teenage gamers being chosen for careers in secret services

Teenage gamers in the United Kingdom are to be trained up for careers in the secret services to fight the threat of cyber warfare and internet criminals.

Up to 100 gamers aged 18 are being recruited, with those well versed in interactive gaming and social media sites being considered.

Most of the successful candidates will go on to work at GCHQ, one of the three UK Intelligence Agencies that deal with cyber attacks. Others could end up at MI5 or MI6.

British foreign secretary, William Hague, who launched the scheme at Bletchley Park, said: "It will be the young innovators of this generation who keep our country safe in years to come, against threats as serious as some we confronted in the second world war.

"I see evidence every day of deliberate, organised attacks on the UK by cyber-criminals with the potential to undermine our security.

"This is one of the great challenges of our time and we must confront it to ensure Britain remains a world leader in cyber-security."

The chosen teenagers will take part in a two-year training programme, which includes studying for a foundation degree in communication, security and engineering at De Montfort University, Leicester.

A spokesman for GCHQ added: "Candidates won't just be working with the very latest technology, they will be involved in creating it."