School pupils were given the chance to run one of Colchester's top hotels for the day.

The 25 catering and home economics students were in charge of a variety of key tasks, cleaning the rooms, waiting on tables, manning reception and overseeing banqueting and conferences.

The youngsters from Sir Charles Lucas School, Colchester, turned up for their unusual day's work experience at the Post House in Eight Ash Green.

Senior staff divided them up into groups and set them up on different jobs.

They wore their school uniforms so guests could identify them from the paid-up staff, who supervised the youngsters.

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