SPREYTON Primary School is one of five Devon primary schools to have recently welcomed visiting staff from linked schools in Tanzania.

The host schools, which also included Copplestone Primary and Redhills Primary in Exeter, are part of a partnership network between Devon schools and schools in Tanzania.

The links have won national praise from the British Council, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

The children took part in African drumming and artwork workshops before hearing traditional storytelling from Tanzania.

Stuart Busby, executive headteacher for the Mid Moors Federation said: 'This, especially with recent events in the news, lets the children learn about other places in a positive way.

'It breaks down barriers and removes the fear and uncertainty from other cultures. Not many children, especially children from rural areas, have that opportunity.'

Headteacher of Donge School, Saidi Moshi, was one of the visitors. He said: 'This partnership is not just for a head teacher or teacher, but for all the pupils and the whole area, both in Tanzania and in England.

'When we talk about our link school, everyone in our area knows what it is. It shows my pupils what England, the other side of the world, is like.'

Head of education and learning for Devon County Council, Sue Clarke said of the partnership:  'I really welcome the work that these schools are doing in bringing an international awareness to Devon's children.'