They were at the Grand Hotel to record a pilot show and owner Peter Mann persuaded the film's producer to give students the chance to work alongside cast and crew to gain valuable filming insight and experience.

The project, with a working title of Glory Daze Inn, features an odd ball hotelier and even stranger clientele.

One of the leading lights was Colin Carmichael, star of the 118 118 adverts.

Working with a director whose previous projects include video shoots with REM and Coldplay, the students had a chance to experience working with the industry's top talent.

Student Luke Fuller said "It was an amazing time. We were originally booked in for a day's work experience, but as time went on and the crew realised our worth we ended up staying for a week"

They soon discovered TV production isn't all glamour and VIP lounges, as Amelia Lawson was quick to point out.

"We started off as runners, and had a variety of requests such as getting an inch of hot water for one of the actors, sourcing cardboard for a makeshift bible and chaperoning the public away from a naked actor in one outdoor scene!"

Amelia and Luke worked as late as 1am and as a reward for their efforts were assigned some tasks in sound recording and, as in Luke's case, even appearing on set as an extra.

Producer Archie Lauchlin was full of praise "Luke, Amelia and Nathan Nzeribe were exceptional. They went way beyond the call of duty and were a credit to the college"

Both Amelia and Luke have been promised further work experience on future projects and are fully intent on seeing their careers progress towards television as a result of their brush with the big time.

For details of the Media Studies course and the full range of options available to learners, Bexhill College has open evenings on 22nd October and 6th November at the Penland Road campus.