Taste of high life at Royal Ascot

They will serve caviar, champagne and fine foods. Toni Watson, Sam Shorrock, Robert Powell, Luke Whitehouse, Brett Teale, Claire Savage, Siobhan Commings, Daniel Williams, Anthony Middlebrook Owen, Jamie Love Katie Harrison and Kate Mason secured the placements.

The 17 and 18-year-olds will stay at the Royal Holloway University and begin work at 8am each morning to prepare refreshments for hungry race-goers in the Pavillion and Paddock Restaurants.

They will also be working within the private boxes.

College tutor Karen Bell, who has been sending students down to Royal Ascot for past three years, said: "To gain placements at such a prestigious event is fantastic for the students and shows how highly regarded they are.

"The time spent at the race meet really helps our students to learn to work in a highly pressured environment, producing high- quality food and learning how to deal with a multitude of guests from all walks of life.

"The skills they are currently developing at the college and during events such as Royal Ascot are transferable and useful for a wide range of different positions in catering and hospitality."

Cannock Chase Technical College offers a range of catering and hospitality courses including part-time and full-time NVQs.

For more information log-on to the website at www.cannock.ac.uk, or call 01543 462200.

Prospective students and parents are also invited to attend a college open day on June 25.