STAFF at the Chiseldon House Hotel were given the chance to put their feet up as students from Swindon College took over the kitchens.

The 12 students were thrown in at the deep end and had to prepare, cook and serve meals for 40 diners in the hotel's restaurant yesterday lunchtime.

The event was organised by hotel owners John and Sarah Sweeney, who wanted to give the students a chance to see what life is like in the world of work.

"We thought it would be a good idea to help integrate the youngsters into the outside world," said Mr Sweeney.

"Sarah and I are both professionals and at the end of the day it doesn't matter whether or not you have a piece of paper saying you can do something, you need someone to give you a break."

Six of the students were busy in the kitchen helping the head chef by prepping the food, while the other six students were busy in the dining room serving and chatting with the guests, who were all there for the hotel's Villager's lunch club.

Among the dishes on the menu were butternut squash, chilli and coconut soup, chicken supreme with Parma ham and a petit chocolat pot with shortbread.

And the hotel was so impressed by the students that they have decided to let another group run the kitchen again later in the year.

"We did drive the students quite hard, but they were absolutely superb," said Mr Sweeney.

"Obviously there were a few nerves before we started but they all did extremely well and we were very impressed.

"I'm certain all of the diners were delighted with the lunch.

"I think we all had a brilliant day."