IT was a day with a difference for a group of Bridgwater College students as they took part in a behind the scenes tour of the RSPCA Brent Knoll Rescue Centre, followed by an educational visit to Seaquarium in Weston-super-Mare.

The students, who are studying level two animal care, saw how dogs, cats and other small animals are housed and looked after.

They were introduced to an array of different breeds and witnessed how dogs are trained in order to make them suitable for rehoming.

The group were also given the opportunity to help to familiarise three Japanese Chin puppies to different people and smells.

To show their appreciation, the students donated food to the RSPCA.

Following the RSPCA tour, the group visited Seaquarium.

A presentation about the care of animals in the aquarium and the challenges faced when people do not look after these animals properly was given and the day concluded with a handling session in the fantastic phobias zone.

Student Ricky Dean, said, "It was interesting to see how the RSPCA teach dogs to drop what they have in their mouths and the techniques they use to do this."

Katie Butcher added: “I handled a giant snail- I didn’t like it but it’ll help me cope with handling these sorts of animals in a work situation."

Theresa Stone, lecturer for animal care at Bridgwater College, said: "The students were able to see the reality of what happens when animals are put in a rescue centre and how much is involved in terms of time, money and dedication to ensure that they receive the best possible care.

"Moving to the aquarium allowed the students to see a completely different sector of the animal care industry and contrast this with what they saw at the RSPCA, helping them progress in their decisions concerning where they would like to work in the future."