ITN newscaster and journalist Alastair Stewart and his son Freddie have hosted a question-and-answer session at Alton College.

Mr Stewart joined Freddie, a former student at the college and Bedales in Petersfield, answering questions in the Wessex Arts Theatre.

Freddie attended Alton College from 2009-2011, studying A-Levels in English literature, photography and business studies, and he told the assembled students that the idea for his successful horse business Bramble Equine was born during his time at the college.

Jon Myers, the college’s director of learning, and Sara Russell, vice-principal for curriculum and quality joined Student Union marketing officers Ali Bayliss, previously at Perins School in Alresford, and former Eggar’s pupil Freyja Barnard at the session.

They were joined Molly Heap, previously at Perins and keen member of the Alton College showjumping team, spoke to Freddie about his international showjumping successes, while Kyra Gorham, a budding journalist for the Alton College Alternative Magazine, dramatists Luke Bateman and Elliott Williams (previously at Amery Hill School) and Alton College bar mock trial team members Rebecca Quinlan (ex-Frensham Heights School) and Lily McAuley (Weydon School).

Media student George Garner, formerly of Frensham Heights School, filmed the session.

Alastair said: “We had a great time at a terrific college, with delightful and bright young people. There are few better ways to spend a lunchtime.”

Freddie added that it had been an “absolute pleasure to visit such a great place” of which he had “very fond memories”. Earlier this year Alastair, who has four children, one of whom is a headteacher, said that “Fred knows a good teacher when he sees one” as he met so few in his time “until he went to Alton College”.

Mr Stewart is the longest-serving newsreader on British television. He studied economics and politics at the University of Bristol and was an active member of the National Union of Students.

The newscaster was quizzed by the audience and answered a range of probing questions which included revealing the worst mistake he had made on TV and how he responded, revealing that he had announced live on air that the Princess of Wales had been trampled by a horse at a race meeting. It turned out to be a member of the public.

As a result, he urged students to “always check your facts” because in the news your brand is accuracy.

When asked for “career advice”, Mr Stewart urged students to “get yourself a good mentor” and “listen to your mum and dad”.

Guerson Neto, previously at Bohunt School in Liphook, asked Mr Stewart how he handled natural political bias in interviews while Student Union president Tom Chapman, formerly of Eggar’s School, asked the newsreader who he felt was the most interesting person in politics. His answer was Stella Creasy, citing her handling of Wonga as one of the reasons, later referring to her as “a star of her generation”.

And his key piece of advice to young people is to always “keep an open mind and seize every opportunity that comes your way”.

Freddie, who is now running several successful horse-based businesses, is proof that his father’s advice works. He said: “I couldn’t have done any of it without Alton College’s help, advice and patience.”

Principal Jane Machell thanked the Stewarts and said it was a pleasure to welcome Freddie and his father back to the college for this special event. She described the session as “truly inspirational” and explained “the talk was part of our ongoing commitment to provide enriching and inspiring talks for students and staff”.