DARLINGTON students took a bite of the Big Apple recently.

A group of youngsters from Darlington College embarked on a life changing trip to New York last month.

Students from media, art and catering courses visited world-famous attractions Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building during the four day jaunt.

The trip was organised by tutor Eric Walsh to give students a chance to learn more about their chosen vocations.

Art students enjoyed gallery visits while media students visited the renowned Psyop visual studios and catering students took a food and culture tour of Hoboken, New Jersey, stopping off at Carlo’s Bakery, home of TV’s Cake Boss.

Mr Walsh said: "The purpose of the trip from an art and media perspective was to allow students to see two of the top galleries in the world, as well as the work of games production companies first hand.

"From an art perspective, nothing can beat standing in front of a Vincent Van Gogh close - up when you are trying to describe to students the energy that went into the composition from the artist himself."

Media student Becky Stabler, 18, said: “The art museums were really good.

“There was such a diverse range of art and it inspired me to see more culture when I got back home.

“I think everyone should have the opportunity to go.”