WEST Somerset College celebrated what is thought to be the longest-running German-English exchange in the country when it hosted partner staff and students from Germany last week.

The link between the college and its German partner, the Freiherr von Stein Gymnasium in B?nde, has clocked up 50 years, and special gifts were exchanged to mark the milestone.

The exchange takes place every year, alternating between B?nde and Minehead, and as well as giving students the chance to experience life and culture in a different country, it helps them gain valuable language skills.

“This is a moment for us to pause and remember our bonds with our European neighbours,” said the college’s acting principal Jane Aplin.

“Whatever the political climate, our young people are our future and will need to maintain peace and harmony in a changing world. Learning experiences like these are an excellent place for all that to begin.”

The visit started with games including tennis tennis, football and capture the flag, followed by a cookery lesson where German students were shown how to make a cream tea, and included trips to Longleat and Bristol as well as Exmoor.

The German students stayed with host families in West Somerset and were accompanied by two German staff who work closely with college staff.

The college’s co-ordinator of the exchange, Mark Tranter, said it was “ the ultimate educational activity”.

“Our students have learned so much about each other’s countries, languages and culture. We are very lucky to have such a strong partnership with such a wonderful and supportive school - it’s something quite special and is cherished.”

And Sandra Heuer, the German school’s co-ordinator, said: “On the German side, the exchange is always vastly oversubscribed as we have so many students wishing to come to England to experience English life.

“We appreciate this great opportunity for our students and we hope we can continue for another 50 years.”

To mark the 50th anniversary, the college presented a golden rose bush and a painting by Year 13 student Fran Bullard to the B?nde school, who gave a hand-made, hand-painted bench for the playground.