STUDENTS and staff from schools across Europe paid a visit to Comet country as part of a two-year partnership project based around food.

Pupils from Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Scotland were all represented during a four-day visit hosted by Marriotts School in Stevenage under the Good Food Good Mood project.

The European-wide scheme aims to foster strong links with schools across the continent while students learn about sustainable food production and healthy nutrition.

As well as visiting Marriotts School’s new site in Brittain Way, pupils attended a civic reception with Stevenage mayor John Lloyd, had a walk around Stevenage led by town historian Hugh Madgin, visited the police station and toured Knebworth House and Gardens.

There was also a day of sight-seeing in London before a farewell buffet at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre where trophies were presented by Comet editor Darren Isted and chairman of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Yolanda Rugg.

Speaking about the visit, 16-year old Polish student Grzegorz Popowicz said: “I love Stevenage – it’s a great place with lots to do and we’ve all made good friends.”

Heather Bullen, international co-ordinator at Marriotts School, said: “Our students are rightly proud of the links we have built, and our team of international leader students, as well as the local community, have worked very hard to put together a schedule which has shown our area in a positive light.

“Our project partnerships give their learning a practical focus and great opportunities to go to places they would not normally visit.”

The next visit will be to Leksands in Sweden during the autumn.