A GROUP of German students recently spent a busy few days in Skipton as part of an exchange trip with Ermysted's Grammar School.

16 pupils from Ermysted's partner school Tassilo-Gymnasium, in Simbach, Bavaria, which is twinned with Skipton, took part in the annual exchange for year 10 - 14 to 15 year olds; accompanied by three teachers and staying with host families.

During the four-day visit, they sat in on some lessons at the school, went on outings to Leeds and other places of interest, including the seaside and the Royal Armouries museum, attended football training, and sampled different foods.

Some of the German students were disappointed their visit to Ermysted's had coincided with a non-uniform day - everyday in Germany is a non-uniform day and they had wanted to experience something different.

Excursions included visits to Skipton Castle, York Minster, Bolton Abbey and Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool Football Club, whose German manager Jurgen Klopp is due to leave the club at the end of the season.

A spokesperson for Ermysted's said: (At Anfield) The pupils were treated to a rousing rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone!” by the coach driver, who was clearly a fan of the club."

On the Sunday, there was a badminton tournament at Sandylands Sports Centre, organised by Linda and Peter Wilkinson, coaches of Craven Badminton Club, based at the centre.

The tournament was attended by 27 German and English pupils, teachers, host parents and younger family members, partnering each other in a doubles competition, with each pair made up of one Skipton and one Simbach player.

Linda's father, Brian Phillip, former Skipton Mayor, who co-founded the Skipton-Simbach twinning 41 years ago, presented prizes to the winners, seconds, thirds and fourths, and commemorative medals to every competitor taking part.

Brian also presented the winners of the tournament - Louis Sturman, Ermysted's; and Allegra Damböck, Tassilo-Gymnasium; with a commemorative plaque for each of their schools. The plaques will be displayed in schools and used for future sports collaborations.

On the last evening, more than 60 enjoyed a meal at Oakley's restaurant in Skipton with some German students making a speech in English thanking staff and their host families for giving them such a good time.

The school spokesperson added: "It was lovely to see everyone mixing so well; evidently many new friendships, between pupils and parents alike, have been formed."

The first exchange visit between the two schools took place in 1983. Students from Ermysted's will be going over to Simbach in early July.