Events and Hospitality students at Watford's new University Technical College organised and managed a "Vintage Spice" afternoon tea on Tuesday for more than 50 guests.

MP Richard Harrington opened the event which included a demonstration by professional ballroom dancers from Watford’s Moonglow Dance Studio, musicians from the UTC’s band, and a traditional afternoon tea.  

Profits from the day will be shared between the students’ chosen charities, Cancer Research and Watford New Hope.  

The Event Management students organised the theme, promotion, performers, ticket sales, and ran the event on the day, while the Hospitality students agreed the menu, ordered and served the afternoon tea.

The MP said: "I was delighted to open the Vintage Spice event. To think that four months ago the UTC was just about to open for the first time, and now the event and hospitality students have welcomed us and pulled all this together - they should be really proud of themselves, it was fantastic. 

"The enthusiasm as you walk around the building is so infectious, and there is no doubt in my mind these students are going to achieve great things."

Emma Loveland, principal of The Watford UTC, added: "Our ethos is very much about our students experiencing real life projects, so it’s been great practice for our students to put together this event.  I’m delighted to see how well they had thought this through and their professionalism in making it all happen."

The Watford UTC works with a range of major local employers, who will provide realistic hands-on projects for students and work with the UTC to ensure its curriculum meets industry needs. With widely reported skills shortages in both the digital and hospitality industries, the UTC aims to train confident, highly competent individuals to fill the roles of the future.

The UTC has a series of information events planned for students wishing to find out more about the college. For more information, visit www.watfordutc.org.