SCHOOLCHILDREN are developing links with a Spanish school to encourage better understanding of different cultures.

Kirkby and Great Broughton School, near Stokesley, has established a partnership with Dr Tolosa Latour School, in Madrid.

Spanish teachers Gracia Conejero and Maria Cabeza visited North Yorkshire to share ideas and experience, and contribute to improving the children's education.

The school has also recently established a link with a primary school in Kenya, and this latest partnership is expected to expand the pupils' learning even further.

Headteacher Jean Yendall said: "Our school wishes to prepare children so that, with confidence in themselves and respect for others, they can live and work in a rapidly changing world.

"Our links with Spain and Kenya bring richness to the school curriculum that not only extends the children's knowledge but deepens their understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Exciting times lie ahead."

The county's executive member for education, Chris Metcalfe, said: "Kirkby and Great Broughton school has run after-school French and Spanish clubs for the past three years, which have been a great success.

"The school is very keen to develop language capability and cultural understanding."