A SCHOOL’S reputation is spreading around the globe as visitors from down under descended on the North-East.

Ten students and staff from Whangarei, New Zealand, travelled thousands of miles to visit compatriots at The King’s Academy, in Coulby Newham.

The visitors, from the North Island of New Zealand, stayed with local families making new friends in the UK and quickly developing aspirations to live and work in this country.

Their teacher Simon Craggs arranged the visit to the academy where he taught his foundation year before returning to live and work in New Zealand.

He said: "My dad is from Thornaby and I wanted our children to experience real England - not just London - to meet new people and make new friends on the opposite side of the world."

The two week long English literature tour took them to a variety of places including York.

The trip was also organised by fellow New Zealand teacher Marg Northey and Penny Barker from The King’s Academy.

Mrs Barker added: "Our two countries couldn’t be further apart geographically but it is amazing when the students get together just how much they have in common."