Witham's Rickstones School turned its sixth form centre into "open house" for a week for 14 visiting Polish exchange students

Head teacher Norma Turner, who visited the Polish school in Schweidbodice last winter with staff and a school governor, said: "We effectively turned the sixth form centre into a hostel for the students for their visit.

"The canteen provided breakfast and an evening meal and the students could use the sports facilities, they loved it. They and our own students got on together really well."

A full programme of events was organised, although the students spent some time in classes at Rickstones school.

A civic reception was also arranged for them by Witham Town Council at the town hall.

The group, accompanied by two members of staff from the Polish school return home last week.

Teacher Rick Rotondo is pictured with Polish media studies students - Susan Kubis and Michat Gruszka, and Rickstones pupil Craig Digby.

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