Students questioned the Labour shadow minister about university tuition fees, work experience and career guidance.

Pupils at Seevic College welcomed MP Liam Byrne, shadow minister for universities, science and skills, as part of his A13 tour.

When asked about the barriers to future success, university tuition fees topped their list of concerns.

The students also expressed apprehension about their prospects entering the job market, issues regarding the need for real work experience and the availability of careers guidance in schools.

Mr Byrne said: “Young people have always ridden to the rescue of Britain in the toughest times and that’s just what this generation can do now, if they get the right backup – like the backup provided at Seevic College.”

Seevic principal, Nick Spenceley, said: “I was immensely proud of our students, for the thoughtful way they put their views across, and for their evident determination to succeed.”

Joe Cooke, Labour candidate for Castle Point, also spoke with students about the importance of registering to vote.

At the end of Mr Byrne’s visit he was presented with an engraved and fully functional, piston engine desktop ornament – commemorating his visit to Seevic College.

The engine was constructed completely from scrap metal, as part of a BTEC Level 1 and 2 Engineering project, and was presented by the students who made it.