COLLEGE students have been given an insight into life behind the Iron Curtain.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, in Eastleigh, recently welcomed lieutenant colonel Markus Albrecht, who delivered a talk to students studying the German A Level.

Albrecht, who grew up in East Germany and currently works for the British Army, spoke to students about his experience of life in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Barton Peveril students who are completing the German A Level are currently studying the film "Good Bye, Lenin!", which is set in Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This lecture, and the study of the film, is said to help students immerse themselves in the historical background of the language they are studying.

The Lieutenant Colonel shared his insight into growing up in Germany during the Cold War and his experience living in a Communist country as well as delivering a short lecture on the historical and political background of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall.

He said: "It was interesting to see what the knowledge here in the UK is about this time!

"Especially my explanation – including my feelings and thoughts - regarding the last month from the Monday demonstrations via the Wall break down till the reunification was very emotional and I was very delighted that I found a real interested auditorium!

"It was a great day for me to have the chance to talk about the reality in the GDR and I would do it again, every time!”

Each year, Barton Peveril welcomes a wide range of guest speakers who help to broaden the learning of the Hampshire-based College’s students.

Barton Peveril Subject Leader for German, Jacqueline Cheetham, said: “This was a thoroughly informative talk, detailing some of the complexities of life behind the Iron Curtain."