ENGLISH and sociology students from Priestley College were left starstruck after an unforgettable trip to New York.

Danny Worthington, from Frodsham, spotted High Flying Birds frontman and former Oasis star, Noel Gallagher, during a day of shopping.

He said: "I spotted Noel in Prada by Central Park – it was a complete fluke.

"I was nervous, but egged on by friends to say 'Hi' because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I grabbed it.

"In true Gallagher style he didn't say much, but when I asked for a picture he said 'if needs be' in a gravelly voice."

There was a number of highlights for the 23 Loushers Lane college students during their trip.

Literature students walked by the Plaza Hotel, a location in The Great Gatsby – one of their key texts.

There was also a visit to a prohibition drinking club for sociology students, who explored the history of class, wealth and social exclusion.

Visiting Ellen's Stardust Diner, famous for its performing waiters and waitresses, was a memorable experience for student Grace Rowlands.

The former Birchwood Community High School pupil said: "They are all aspiring actors and actresses who just burst into songs from some of my favourite musicals like Phantom and Les Mis."

At the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Sociology students learned more about demographics, which forms part of their syllabus.

Joe Smith, who previously studied at St Gregory's RC High School, found the National September 11 Memorial & Museum most affecting.

He said: "It was obviously sad, but also eye-opening to hear from people who were in New York at the time."

The students also explored Chelsea Market, Grand Central Station and watched Uma Thurman in Broadway show The Parisian Woman.