LINKS between Malvern and the French twin town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre have been strengthened with visits from students and teachers during recent weeks.

27 French 16-year-old students and three teachers from the lycée in Bagnères enjoyed an action-packed programme, planned and organised by the Malvern Bagnères Twinning Association.

On their way to Malvern they enjoyed a stop off at Windsor Castle, and on their arrival here, they were greeted by mayor Cynthia Palmer with a traditional English afternoon tea in the Bistro of Malvern Theatres.

They experienced a typical school-day with students from Hanley Castle High School, Malvern College and Worcester Royal Grammar School.

They also enjoyed a day’s excursion to Stratford included interactive workshop sand the opportunity to sit in Shakespeare’s own classroom, and a visit to the Morgan factory, which aroused great excitement and admiration among the youngsters.

All students were hosted by Malvern or Worcester families, enjoying the hospitality offered by MBTA members or in placements facilitated by the local home-stay agency EIL.

Gina Butler, chair of the association said: “All concerned judged the entire experience to be a spectacular success and an excellent example of friendship and co-operation between twin towns.”

Somers Park School welcomed nine teachers from the Ecole Jules Ferry for a week’s educational study visit.

The visitors gave a presentation to staff and pupils about their own region and school.

They then immersed themselves fully into the busy life of their English teacher colleagues, joining in with all classroom activities during their week.

Mrs Butler said: “Friendships with both staff and pupils were quickly established and all involved enjoyed stimulating discussions about similarities and differences between teaching methods on the two sides of the Channel.

“The visitors were overjoyed at the welcome they received from Somers Park staff and pupils.”