WHEN media students visited the set of TV soap Emmerdale to make a film for the County Durham Adult Learners' Awards, they ended up appearing in the hit show.

The Btec group, from East Durham and Houghall Community College, were recording a message from actress Charlie Hardwick, who plays Val Lambert, when they were asked to take part in the soap.

Suzanne Martin, Tommy Daglish, Kay Thompson and Martin Smith and Lifelong Learning co-ordinator Joe Armstrong, who accompanied them, appeared as extras outside the Woolpack.

The episode will be screened on Monday, August 16.

Mr Armstrong said the real purpose of the visit was to film North-East actress Charlie's message, which was played to winners at the awards ceremony earlier this month.

"Our impromptu appearance as extras in Emmerdale was the icing on the cake," he said.

"The students were quizzing the camera crew about the best route into the industry, so it was their enthusiasm that led to their cameo appearance."

He added: "They also did a great job on the other side of the camera filming Charlie, who gave an inspirational message to learners about succeeding against the odds."