A FORMER Trowbridge schoolgirl who shot to fame in children's television gave three budding presenters a taste of life on the small screen.

Gemma Hunt, a former pupil at The John of Gaunt School and now a CBBC presenter, welcomed the trio from her old school for a day's visit to the BBC television studios in White City, London.

Katherine Sawyer, Chantelle McWade and Rebecca Legg, 17, all sixth formers at the school, went on the visit as part of their media studies AS level.

They visited the CBBC studios and the largest TV studio in Europe, used for events such as Children in Need, and also met other presenters such as Andrew Hayden-Smith and Angelica Bell.

The students are editing a video of their experience which they will use as part of their media studies project. They also intend to present their work to other year groups in assemblies.

Katherine Sawyer said: "We are putting together a children's TV show as our production project. We were looking for advice on how to present our work.

"We're really grateful that Gemma could take time out of her busy schedule and we're proud that she sees herself as someone who still belongs to Trowbridge and to the John of Gaunt School."

Chantelle McWade added: "This was a fantastic learning experience for us and a great opportunity to develop our technical skills."

Jane Asplin, head of the school's performing and expressive arts department, said: "It was really exciting for the girls. They came back on top of the world and it was really worthwhile for their project."