SIX pupils and a teacher from a Bulgarian school have visited their counterparts at a Worcester school.

The visitors from the Petko Slaveikov School in the Bulgarian capital city of Sofia spent nearly a week with host families from the River School, Droitwich Road, from Sunday, March 23.

The Bulgarian pupils joined in with the school's Year 9 lessons with the aim of improving their English.

They also enjoyed a day trip to Worcester, visiting the Cathedral, the Hive and the shops.

It was the third group of schoolchildren from Bulgaria that The River School has welcomed.

The school has developed a special relationship with Petko Slaveikov School, which is the only Christian school in Bulgaria.

Since March 2010 River School pupils have raised approximately £10,000 to fund future trips between the schools.

This helps to pay for air fares, accommodation and gifts to the school as well as part-funding the teachers' salaries.

Part of the money raised came from an Iron man challenge taken on by 20 pupils from years 7 to 11 last month.

The youngsters swam, ran and cycled to help collect the money.

Carol Parry, headteacher at The River School said: “Both pupils and staff have very much been looking forward to this month’s visit.

"It not only helps support them in the development of their English, it is also of real importance to our pupils.

"All of them have worked so hard to help the school grow and develop and it is a testament to their commitment and enthusiasm that the relationship continues to go from strength to strength.”

The Iron man challenge took place at Nuffield Health Club, Droitwich Road, on Friday, March 14.