THE Metro Mayor has spoken to Widnes students in a bid to inspire the next generation of hospitality and tourism workers.

Catering and hospitality students at Riverside College were given the opportunity to explore future career opportunities during Visitor Economy Week 2019.

In partnership with other further education providers across the Liverpool City Region, Visitor Economy Week is designed to provide students with a taste of what life can be like working in the hospitality, retail, travel and tourism sectors.

The week kicked off at Anfield Stadium, where staff and students were asked to help create a luxury breakfast menu.

A number of inspirational talks took place by guest speakers including Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram.

Later in the week, Riverside College students took part in an event held at the Richmond Hotel in Liverpool where they prepared the starter dish for a top four-course meal.

Steven Parkinson, programme area leader for catering and hospitality said: "Visitor Economy Week has been a huge success for our students; it gave them a fantastic insight into possible future career pathways within the region’s growing visitor economy.

"From the week’s many events and experiences, they have been able to develop and learn new skills that they will be able to use throughout their futures."