A BUNCH of business students from North Yorkshire have returned from a dream trip to New York.

The Selby College students spent five days exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of Manhattan.

The group, which included A-level business and BTEC Level 3 extended diploma business students, all said the experience “completely exceeded” their expectations.

Following the success of last year’s visit, Trip Leader and Business Lecturer Rehanah Hussain was delighted to organise another jam-packed itinerary for their whistle-stop tour of the island borough of New York.

After flying out from Manchester Airport on March 2 they arrived into JFK mid-afternoon, checked into their West 25th Chelsea hotel located near Madison Square Park and the iconic Flatiron Building and headed straight out to explore the local area, which also included a walkabout of Times Square and Broadway before getting the Subway back to the hotel.

On their first full day the students headed to the world-famous Macy’s department store for a tour and talk and a spot of shopping, followed by a visit to Fifth Avenue - taking in the historic Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Station - before a much-needed rest of the legs at the Comfort Diner for a group meal where they feasted on Philly cheese steak sandwiches and macaroni and cheese!

The group also experienced one of the most memorable parts of their trip at the Observatory on top of the One World Trade Centre and the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, as well as the architecturally impressive Oculus, the New York Stock Exchange and Chelsea Market Food Hall. Some of the students headed off to Madison Square Garden to watch the Basketball game between New York Knicks and Utah Jazz.

Speaking about their trip highlights, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma student Miles Loveday, 16, who previously attended Selby High School, said: “The highlight for me was finding out the history behind the buildings, especially the Chrysler Building.

"I’d always wanted to walk across Brooklyn Bridge, it was totally breath-taking.

"I also loved visiting One World Observatory, that was a real highlight for me - seeing the amazing views across the city. It’s great that the College organised the trip.

"We packed in so much in a small amount of time. ”

Fellow student, Lauren Shirley, also 16, who previously attended Barlby High School and is studying A-level business, said: “It blew away all my expectations, just getting there and seeing everything when I’ve wanted to go for so long.

"After telling my parents about everything we experienced on the trip they really want to go as well.”

Lecturer Rehanah Hussain said: “The organisation of this trip is completely worth it to see the students enjoying such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For some, it was the first time they had been abroad, on a plane or got a passport, which is why we were so keen to pack in as much as we possibly could. I managed to walk 24,000 steps one day!”

She added: “To see how much they all get out of the experience, including seeing the theory they learn in the classroom being put into practice is just fantastic, it’s great to be able to give them such a positive, lasting impression.”