TRAVEL and tourism students have been busy putting their skills into practice in a real life work setting.

Bury College's travel and tourism department is celebrating the first academic year of running its own travel shop business.

Students have been helping with bookings and general travel enquiries by answering phone calls, emailing clients and assisting with marketing to create tailor-made holidays for members of the public.

Pete Whitehead, who runs his own firm Travel Counsellors, has helped to oversee the running of the operations after partnership with the college in September 2018 to launch the travel agency.

Mr Whitehead said: "It has been a great experience working with the students. The passion they have shown for this industry has been great to see.

"I’ve got a huge sense of satisfaction being able to contribute to their learning by providing work experience in a real life business environment. It has also given me a greater insight into what destinations the “Instaworthy’ demographic desire. It’s been a win-win opportunity.”

Sarah Partington, Head of Curriculum for Travel at Bury College added: "The travel team is extremely proud of their successful collaboration with Pete from Travel Counsellors this year.

"Pete has provided bespoke training for our learners in all aspects of the travel shop including researching itineraries, costing holidays and developing knowledge of booking systems.

"It has been great to see the students developing their confidence by answering phone calls, sending emails and participating in marketing.”