WAITERS raced across hotel grounds as a national fundraiser came to Wivenhoe House for the first time.

The East of England National Waiters’ Day Race, founded by First Dates presenter Fred Siriex, aims to raise the profile of the hospitality fundraiser and promote The Springboard charity which helps youngsters and the unemployed find opportunities in the industry.

Students from the the Edge Hotel School at Wivenhoe House and Colchester Institute competed for prizes which included magnums of champagne.

They took part in a race across the grounds while balancing a tray and a bottle.

Steve Frei, hospitality lecturer at Colchester Institute, was delighted to bring along a team not only to take part but to tour the Edge Hotel School on site.

He said: “The National Waiters’ Day Race is a brilliant opportunity for our students to get together with people in the hospitality industry and we’ll be back next year.”

A London race is held ever year and head of ambassadors for Springboard Steve Jarvis was able to attend the Wivenhoe House event and then travel to Hyde Park.

He said: “It’s brilliant to see Wivenhoe House and the Edge Hotel School embracing this event with such enthusiasm.”