STUDENTS took a bite out of the Big Apple on a recent trip to New York.

Thirty-four teachers and sixth-form students from Budmouth Technology College in Weymouth travelled to the city that never sleeps to spend a week immersed in the culture.

The youths, aged between 16 and 18, spent the week studying how New York had developed as a city into a focal point for world trade and tourism.

They visited historical landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empire State building.

Students said one of the most interesting visits proved to be a tour of the Tenement Museum, which recreates life in New York at the turn of the 20th century for newly-arrived migrants.

Many British and Irish people moved to America at the turn of the century to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Group leader Sam Temple said: “As well as the cultural and historical visits, we had a fantastic evening at the Madison Square Gardens watching the New York Rangers ice hockey team play – unfortunately they lost to the Atlanta Thrashers.

“But the atmosphere was amazing and we had a group of Canadian businessmen talking us through the rules and explaining what was going on.”

Mrs Temple added: “It was a brilliant trip.

“The students can’t wait to go back in the near future. New York is an amazing place to visit.

“We are already planning our next study trip for sixth-formers in October 2012.”