TV personality and architect George Clarke returned to his former college to share his advice and expertise with students.

As part of their studies, students on a HNC construction management course are set complex tasks to challenge them.

Second year students have been working on a project set by English Heritage to redevelop the Grade 1 listed Hylton Castle. The project focused on bringing the late 14th century castle back into use without damaging any of the ancient stonework.

First year students worked on a project set by George when he visited last year to redevelop a disused factory site - creating a scheme that would bring jobs and visitors to the city.

Along with a panel of industry experts and representatives from English Heritage, George was there to judge the students' efforts and offer feedback and advice on their work.

Originally from Blackfell, Washington, George studied the same construction management course at Sunderland College before focusing on architecture at university.

George has presented numerous property shows, most recently 'George Clarke's Amazing Spaces'.

He said: "Studying at Sunderland College was an important step on my way to becoming an architect, and getting to where I am today.

"It's incredibly important that I keep in touch with the college and work with the students. I want to share with them what I've learnt along the way and encourage them to push themselves and pursue their careers. "Today's presentations were fantastic and demonstrated real talent for project planning and design, as well as some incredibly creative responses to the brief.

"I hope my feedback and suggestions have proved useful and that the students go away full of enthusiasm for the course - and full of confidence in their abilities."

Students Anthony Dawson, of Jarrow, and Dolly Begum, of South Shields, were among those presenting to George and the panel and were thrilled to meet one of their heroes.

Anthony said: "To meet someone like George who's been so successful is really inspirational. He's from just down the road from where we live, so it shows what I could achieve too.

Gerry Ruffles, lecturer in Construction Design and Management, said: "His involvement gives our students a real insight into what they could achieve, and instills a sense of ambition - something we always strive for at Sunderland College."