Balancing loaded trays of glasses and bottles, waiters raced into action at Wivenhoe House Hotel for a charity fundraising event today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Waiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Pictured is Lauren Armstrong. Picture: GREGG BROWNWaiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Pictured is Lauren Armstrong. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The National Waiters’ Day Race is led by the Springboard Charity – which helps unemployed people of any age find work within the hospitality and leisure and tourism industry.

The annual event, which is fronted by the presenter of First Dates, Fred Sirieix, celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, and runs simultaneously around the country.

East Anglian Daily Times: Waiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Pictured is Mariya Kovacheva. Picture: GREGG BROWNWaiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Pictured is Mariya Kovacheva. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Participants included students from the Edge Hotel School, at the University of Essex, with student Mariya Kovacheva taking first prize.

East Anglian Daily Times: Waiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Picture: GREGG BROWNWaiters' Day race at Wivenhoe House, University of Essex campus. Hospitality students take part in fun races as part of a national initiative. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Oliver Brown, general manager at Wivenhoe House, said: “A career in hospitality means no two days are ever the same, racing for charity is just another example of how different each day can be. We are proud to support The National Waiters’ Day Race and look forward to this celebration of this wonderful industry.”

Fred Sirieix, founder of National Waiters’ Day, said: “To be celebrating our fifth year of National Waiters’ Day is a wonderful milestone.

“It’s essential that we promote the ocean of career opportunities hospitality has to offer, celebrate the hard work of front of house professionals, and encourage more people to begin great careers in hospitality.

“With all the opportunities available, you can work hard and be rewarded with success – there has never been a more exciting time to join this special industry.”