A GROUP of Chilean students have spent three days in the region as part of a tour of the country.

A party of 44 pupils and five teachers, from Craig House School, in Santiago, have been staying at Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, for the past three days.

The Chileans decided to visit the school after meeting pupils and staff from Barnard Castle School during their summer tour of South America.

As part of their stay in the region, the Chilean students took part in rugby and hockey matches against the Barnard Castle teams.

The Barnard Castle 1st XV proved too much for the Craig House team, who were beaten by 45 points to 19.

The hockey match finished 1 - 0 to the Chilean girls, but staff at Barnard Castle said the game was a close-run affair.

Teacher Martin Pepper said: "The boys beat the Chilean team by a wide margin during our tour of South America, but the game at Barnard Castle was closer than the scoreline suggests.

"The hockey match was also close and I think our girls were unlucky not to come away with a draw. I think our visitors have had a great time during their stay and it's been a real pleasure to see them again."

The Chilean students will travel to London today before returning to Chile next week.