TEACHERS and pupils from Poland have been welcomed at a Darlington school as part of an exchange programme.

The visit to Hurworth School Computing and Maths College is part of a European Community initiative designed to encourage schools from different countries to forge partnerships.

Hurworth teacher Arthur Berwick visited the Polish school, near Krakow, last year, and this is the return visit.

Teachers Ewa Balys and Ana Macugowska, and 15-year-old students Marta Nietrzebka and Magda Fryc, will be in the country until Thursday.

The theme of the three-year project is celebration, and will deal with how the two countries celebrate Christmas, Easter, birthdays and national festivals.

Mr Berwick said: "These exchanges help people come together rather than just existing in their separate little communities. It's all about belonging and emphasising that we are all European."

As well as learning about village life and local history, the visitors will get some time to experience local social life and the trip includes a visit to a bowling alley.