Children get glimpse behind scenes of Telford hotel

Sixty pupils from Lawley Primary School have been seeing what life is like behind the scenes at The Buckatree Hall Hotel in Wellington.

Touring the 62-bedroom hotel in groups of 15 this week, they have been making cakes with the chef and seeing how life at the Buckatree compares to one of their favourite TV programmes.

The Furchester Hotel, which is broadcast on the CBeebies channel, features the adventures of Sesame Street muppets running their own business.

Having seen his four-year-old daughter Freya enjoying the programme, Buckatree general manager Wayne Jenson wanted to offer other children the chance to visit a real hotel.

Teacher Ingrid Wolf said: "The children really enjoyed their trip to The Buckatree.

"We had a tour and they were amazed at how big the hotel was. It was very impressive going behind the scenes and for those who have watched The Furchester, it really brought it to life."

Headteacher of the school in Arleston Lane, Carol Mcquiggin, added: "We have never been on a trip to a hotel before so it was very interesting for the children.

"They realised and appreciated how many people it takes to run a big hotel and how much work goes into it.

"It might make them think about this if they are going away and staying in one over the half term."

After their tour the youngsters baked fairy cakes with sous chef Debbie Jarvis, of Madeley, and watched a few episodes of The Furchester.

They then decorated their cakes and took them home.

Mr Jenson said he wanted to give children the chance to visit.

"It is the first trip of this kind that we have had at The Buckatree," he said. "I am so pleased the children seemed to enjoy it and learned more about hotels.

"I see my own daughter enjoying The Furchester and can bring her into work so I wanted to share that with others.

"Parents and young children are always welcome to pop in for a coffee and cake before a walk around The Wrekin. We would be happy to accommodate."