The students are in their third year of studying at the City of Wolverhampton College and were shown around the market by auctioneer and McCartneys chairman, John Uffold.

“In a few years these students could be running their own restaurants, and I think they should know where meat comes from and how it gets from the field to the shops. The livestock market is an important part of that process so hopefully seeing it first hand will be useful to them.”

The group was shown the sheep and cattle on sale by Mr Uffold, who talked through the different cuts and quality of meat and who the prospective buyers may be. They then moved to the cattle ring where they learned how the auction actually works, and they took their seats to see the cattle sold.

“Seeing Mr Uffold selling was fascinating,” said Barry Spears, head of the catering course at Wolverhampton College. “The students thoroughly enjoyed their day with McCartneys and picked up lots of useful information. They graduate this year and could be the buyers of the future at markets like this, so they need to know what goes on.

“It’s the first time we’ve organised a visit like this, but it’s been such a success I’d like to make it an annual outing.”