WIVELISCOMBE got a taste of Europe when teachers from across the continent jetted in.

Visitors from Portugal, Finland, Spain, Italy and Iceland visited the town’s primary school as part of an international project that provides schools with experience of different languages and cultures.

Tony Halstead, head teacher at Wiveliscombe Primary School, said: “This is a really exciting project and everyone at the school has really enjoyed meeting our visitors and learning about their countries and culture.

“They experienced some of the best that Somerset has to offer during their trip last week.”

The visit was part of the Comenius Programme, which sees teachers from Britain and Europe make exchange visits.

Guests got a taste of Wiveliscombe at a school assembly and explored the town from their accommodation at the White Hart.

They were given a tour of County Hall in Taunton and met county council chairman David Fothergill, who presented commemorative plaques for the schools represented while delegates received ceremonial gifts as souvenirs of their visit.

Cllr Fothergill said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome all these teachers and members of staff to County Hall.

“I was delighted to hear about how this programme is educating our children and teachers about the different cultures and educational systems of the nations represented here.

“I’m sure that everyone joined me in welcoming our guests to Somerset and I hope they enjoyed the rest of their stay in our wonderful county.”

The Comenius Programme is aimed at developing knowledge and understanding of different cultures and languages in schools, colleges and authorities across Europe.