Ledbury Strömstad Twinning Association recently welcomed students from Ledbury's Swedish twin town, and local families played host to the young visitors.

The party of sixteen students, from ‘The Strömstiernaskolan’ in Stromstad, were aged between 14 and 16 and they arrived with a teacher and other supporting adults.

Twinning group secretary, Jill Jupp said: “The students had a very busy few days and engaged fully with all that had been arranged for them by the Twinning Association.

“Having arrived in Ledbury late on the evening of May 20, they were up early to deliver a presentation about life in Strömstad to pupils from Reception age through to Year 6 at Ledbury Primary School. The students were made very welcome by Mrs Julie Rees her staff and pupils. They all enjoyed the presentation and Year 5 and 6 pupils then took the students, accompanying staff and representatives from the Twinning Association for a tour around their school.”

Mrs Jupp, a former mayoress of Ledbury, added: “The day continued with a tour of the 16th Century Painted Room and the Market House, a look inside the Masters’ House, time for shopping and then a visit to Hellens House, Much Marcle. Adam Munthe, whose family own Hellens House in Trust, is the President of the Twinning Association and has Swedish origins, so a visit to Hellens is always a must for our Swedish guests. The students enjoyed a lively talk and tour, with many anecdotes, and then drinks, with time to explore the gardens

“Supper with hosts was followed by an exhilarating walk in the Malverns. We were also joined by representatives of the Ledbury Youth Council who enjoyed meeting the students and have arranged to keep in contact.”

The following day the students enjoyed a treasure hunt in Ledbury, followed by more time for shopping and then a visit to Eastnor Castle in the afternoon. They were welcomed by the owner, Mr James Hervey-Bathurst;.

Mr Jupp said: “They were given a very interesting tour of the Castle, followed by time to enjoy the wonderful grounds, the maze and local ice cream.

“The Swifts had organised a Rounders Evening and hot supper which gave our visitors more opportunity to spend time with young people of their own age.”

More about the Twinning Association: 01531 635129.