A GROUP of Darlington students swapped the study room for a hotel kitchen at the weekend.

Headlam Hall Hotel, near Gainford, invited 20 catering and hospitality students from Darlington College of Technology to spend three days practising their skills as part of a work experience programme.

It is the first time that the hotel has asked work experience students to join it, and they were kept busy by a full house of guests, several evening functions and a wedding, all taking place over the weekend.

Nigel Smiles, programme manager for hotel and catering studies at the college, said: "This is part of Darlington College's continuous strategy to deliver excellence in its vocational courses and to build strong links with businesses, industry and the local community.

"I know the students, some of whom have additional support needs, will have done justice to themselves and enjoyed the experience of working in a hotel as grand as Headlam Hall."

The students are from several college courses, ranging from foundation level to NVQ level three in food preparation, food and drink service, bar service and housekeeping.