IN the past, having your castle taken over would have been a terrible experience — but students from Exeter College's APEX course have done just that as part of a project.

Students spent time at the college over the past six weeks to give them the skills and confidence to run the castle for the day on October 22.

Castle Drogo, which is perched high up in the Teign Valley, is currently undergoing major restoration work. Each week, the students have been discovering how the National Trust looks after the castle, and have been developing their research skills to help bring the story of Drogo to life for visitors.

They have also been undertaking customer service training and learning how to work together as a team.

The students have been so inspired by the project to 'Save Castle Drogo' that they have held some fundraising activities, accumulating over £100 so far.

Paula Clarke, community engagement officer at Castle Drogo, said: 'It has been a privilege to work with the students from Exeter College, helping them bring the stories of this wonderful place to life.

'They give energy and enthusiasm to everything they do and have made a big difference to our fundraising campaign.'

If you would like to find out how to get involved at Castle Drogo, contact Laurence Harvey, volunteer co-ordinator, on 01647 434114 or email him, at [email protected]">[email protected]

There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved as volunteers, from room guiding and conservation cleaning to car parking and managing the estate.

The latest volunteer opportunity is to run the scaffold viewing tower.

A platform is being erected within the scaffolding for visitors to safely get to roof level. From there they will have a bird's eye view of the work taking place as well as the stunning panoramic views of the valley.