Primary school pupils played host to 59 French children as part of an exchange trip, taking them to historic areas of their town.  

Thornford Primary School pupils in Sherborne welcomed the children from their twinned school in Hudimesnil, near Granville, in Normandy.  

The French children visited an array of London tourist attractions, as well as the Harry Potter Studios and a trip to Bath.

They then set off to Thornford to meet their pen pals. The children all took a trip to visit Sherborne Old Castle, before heading to Sherborne Abbey.

Partnering up with their pen pal, the local children got to practice their French as they showed them around the local area.

Back at school, children took part in a range of activities including making collages and friendship bracelets, reading French stories, and going on a nature scavenger hunt.

Pupils then laid on a cream tea for their new friends, with many of the French children never having tried scones with cream and jam before.

Headteacher Neela Brooking, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host our French friends, and welcome them to the area.

“This was a great experience for all the children, helping improve their language skills and build new friendships. We look forward to them visiting us again in the future.”