THIRTY-seven French schoolchildren were part of a welcome Norman invasion last week as guests of Dolton and District Twinning Association.

The youngsters were taking part in an exchange visit between the association ? which encompasses Dolton, Merton, Beaford and Winkleigh ? and its twin village of Amfreville in Normandy.

The French children, together with their eight accompanying adults, enjoyed unusual accommodation during their trip, spending the week ?camping? at the Clinton Hall, Merton.

Every two years pupils from the primary schools on both sides of the Channel visit each other to discover how the others live. Friendships are formed which the association hopes will carry on through both family visits and teenage exchanges.

During half-term week, the association sent its biggest group ever ? 45 children ? to France and the return visit was very enjoyable, with visits to Branham Pottery and Milky Way as well as a day where the group divided between each of the village schools.

The twinning association feels the enthusiastic support of the four schools, their headteachers and staff, made a great contribution towards the success of the exchange.

After school, the French children went home for tea with their new friends before all joining up for a disco evening at the Four Seasons Holiday Village, Winkleigh.