Students just love bouncy castles!

Although the college term had not started, 500 new recruits arrived to get a taste of student life.

The Freshers Fair, new to the college, was aimed at giving the first years a taste of things to come.

As one of the organisers of the fair, Maria Simpson said: This is the first time we have held such an event. We wanted to welcome the students in a new way and get them involved in college life as soon as possible.

At 12.30 students arrived to meet their tutors and look over timetables. Formalities were soon pushed aside to make way for the two bouncy castles and a barbecue.

The canteen was full of stands and activities promoting extra curricular sports and outings.

College principal Paul Ashdown said later: We are really pleased with it. It has been a great success. The students seemed to have had a really good day and made lots of friends - which was the object of the exercise.

So why the bouncy castles, more normally associated with the under-8s?

Because the students loved them.

Asked if the freshers fair would be repeated next year, he said: Certainly!