STUDENTS have enjoyed a taste of work thanks to a partnership between an ice cream company, college and bus operator.

Around 25 A Level students from South Essex College teamed up with Rossi ice cream to create images and posters for a new campaign with global phenomenon Candy Crush.

The national campaign will see the photography and business students’ work being marketed through Ocado and on Arriva buses in Southend throughout the summer.

Charlie Bird, Sales Director at Rossi said: “When the opportunity arose to partner with students at South Essex College, I jumped at the chance.

“A CV that includes meaningful work experience is imperative if candidates are going to stand out and is certainly something I look for when hiring.

“The Candy Crush project being sold through Ocado is an exciting opportunity for us and it was wonderful to see the students really get stuck in and enthused about the work they were doing.”

Rossi’s has teamed up with Candy Crush to produce ice cream for the company and asked South Essex College to come on board to give students a chance to see their work in print in a national launch.

The images on the back of the bus were unveiled by MP James Duddridge.

The Conservative MP for Rochford and south east said: “It is great that Arriva buses are on board with helping this great initiative from Rossi’s ice cream and South Essex College.

“It is clear to see from the work that has been produced that these students are incredibly talented, and we should be proud that our local businesses are taking advantage of this by sponsoring initiatives just like this one.”

Colin Wright, general manager at Arriva, said they were thrilled to be helping out with the project.

And Anthony McGarel, Deputy Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College, said: “I am incredibly proud of the students who took part in this fantastic project. We secure some excellent work placement opportunities for our courses, this experience with Rossi has been amazing for the students.”