THE owner of Weston Pier paid business students at Bridgwater College a visit to talk about her career.

Michelle Michael MBE is a well-known business woman in the UK.

She is most known for purchasing the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare on February 6 2008 but disaster struck six months later when the pier caught fire and destroyed the majority of the building.

Michelle spoke to the students about this horrible day and how she recovered and rebuilt the business she had only recently purchased.

She also discussed life in the travel and tourism industry and what the students should expect from a career if they follow the same route.

Abbie Brogden, work placement coordinator for business, management and computing, said: "I am so grateful for Michelle coming to speak, her experience in both travel and business is of extreme benefit to our students.

"Her presentation style is very relaxed and open which the students really responded to which in turn meant they felt they could ask her anything.

"I am looking forward to working with Michelle in the future with some exciting ideas."