STUDENTS were put through their paces by the Royal Marines Commandos when they visited Swindon College yesterday.

Students on the public services course took part in physical challenges, races, relays and team-building exercises during the visit.

The students are hoping to go into careers such as the armed forces and the police and fire service, and the day was to give them a taste of life as a Royal Marine.

Sam Bramfitt, curriculum area manager for public services, said: “Experiences like this help our students to develop core skills to prepare them for military careers.

“Mental robustness, physical ability and adaptability when under pressure are all attributes which our students require in future public service jobs, and we plan our courses to train and test this throughout their experience with us at Swindon College.”

Bren Rees, Jack Williams and Jim McBride from the Royal Marines Visibility Team were running the day.

Student David Woods, 16, said: “Today has been really physical but good fun. We’ve had to think hard how to get around the problems and challenges they’ve set us but I think we’ve worked really well as a team – it’s definitely made me want to join the Royal Marines.”