Two students experienced life as a cotton farmer firsthand during a trip of a lifetime to India.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The Barking & Dagenham College students with villagersThe Barking & Dagenham College students with villagers (Image: JOHN NASSARI 2013)

Barking and Dagenham College students Roy Mugera and Phillip Newbury spent 17 days in Bangalore last month after winning a nationwide competition to market, promote and sell ethically sourced designer underwear – beating more than 600 challengers.

During their trip the students lived and worked alongside other farmers in the cotton fields as well as working in the factory where the ethically produced underwear is made.

They also travelled to Mumbai University to give a presentation about their experience.

Animation student Phillip, 22, said: “Getting to live and work with the local people was an amazing opportunity.”

Business studies student Roy, 21, also greatly enjoyed the trip.

“It was truly inspirational to see how people work in these areas and make the most of the resources around them,” he said.