HUNDREDS of fresh faces were welcomed to college with special events to mark the start of their studies this week.

Swindon College held its freshers’ fair on Wednesday, which included stalls, games and chances to sign up for clubs and activities.

Fresher’s fairs were also held at New College on Thursday and Friday, which saw the students making the most of freebies and enjoying entertainment.

Fiona Simpson, the enrichment co-ordinator at New College, said: “The fresher’s fair is for the students to have some fun and get to know each other because most of them haven’t met each other before. “It has been organised mainly by the student union. Usually we do it on a day where they are in college but some are in lessons. This year we have done it on their induction day.”

The New College fresher’s fair included youth group the Red Frogs, who were giving out free pancakes.

There were also stalls from banks, Honda , Empire Cinemas and Dominos pizza.

Past and present students were playing live music and there were also pool and Fifa competitions.

Gabby Liddiard, 16, of North Swindon, who is a former St Joseph’s College student, was at the fair on Thursday.

“We had our induction today and met our tutor. We heard there was free pizza and a bouncy castle so we decided to come,” she said.

“I feel a lot less nervous about coming to college now. I was scared this morning but I have made new friends already.

Former Kingsdown School pupil Claudia Hobbs, 19, of Upper Stratton , was also at the fresher’s fair on Thursday.

“I came for the free food and to have a look around,” she said.

“I like college so far, I like the atmosphere and the people.” Swindon College saw hundreds of new students enjoying its fresher’s fair at the North Star campus on Wednesday.

There were stalls, games, music and team sign up sheets for the new teenagers who started this week, as well as for the returning students.