A group of Danish students paid a visit to two schools as part of a residential exchange programme.

Epping St John’s Church of England School, in Epping and Forest Hall School, in Stansted, organised for students from Aarhus City earlier this month.

Year 9 and 10 pupils from both Essex schools stayed with their Denmark guests at Lambourne End Centre, in Chigwell.

Hannah Jones, headteacher of Forest Hall, said: “Instead of staying with host families, on this occasion our visitors stayed together with our students.

This meant they could all get to know each other and learn more about each other’s language and culture.

“They were together 24 / 7 and built lifelong friendships. It was an opportunity to build friendships and to understand the differences but also the similarities they have with other people around the world.”

The Danish students spent time at their host to find out what it is like to go to an English school and experienced traditional lessons.

Youngsters also took a trip to London and enjoyed attending the cinema and bowling.

Both Essex schools will visit their new Danish friends in March.