Polish students have worked in partnership with six pupils at a Newton Aycliffe college to add web pages to their school sites.

A group from Woodham Community Technology College have enjoyed an exchange visit with the Zstil technology college in industrial Czechowice, 70 kilometres from Krakow.

The project, called My Europe, Our Town, Their Town, sponsored by the British Council, has banished preconceptions held by both English and Polish groups.

Pippa Jenkinson, citizenship advanced schools teacher and a geography specialist at Woodham, said: "The Polish school was in an area very much like Newton Aycliffe and the young people lived very similar lives.

"They all had mobile phones and Sky television and went out and had a good time.

"The other group expected the English to be reserved and stand-offish so they were surprised when we weren't.

"It was really moving to see them establish such a bond that they have promised to make more visits and include their families as well. It will become a lasting link."

Yesterday they gave a presentation on the exchange to governors and guests.