THE annual visit to Tavistock College by students from Momijigawa Senior High School has been taking place this week.

The visit culminated with a 'syounara' — or farewell — party, when the Japanese visitors performed a series of traditional dances and songs.

Japanese language teacher Chris Chambers from Tavistock College said the visit, as always, had been very successful.

'By the time of the final farewells there were tears and long hugs between all the Japanese and our host students and families, with many long term friendships made.

'The host families and students gave the Japanese students and teachers some wonderful memories to look back on and treated them to evening parties in their homes, as well as taking them to all parts of Devon and Cornwall,' said Mr Chambers.

Highlights of the trips included a year 11 trip to Thorpe Park, a horse-riding adventure on Dartmoor, a trip to Exeter Cathedral and hiking on Dartmoor.

There was also a reception for the Japanese contingent in Tavistock Town Hall, hosted by the town mayor, Cllr Robin Pike, and mayoress Diana Pike, and a special assembly including a rendition of the Japanese national anthem with a welcoming speech in Japanese by college principal Colin Eves.

Mr Chambers said: 'A successful exchange such as this takes months of organisation and careful planning and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Ms Benson, Mrs Fryzlewicz, Mrs Hubbard, John Collacott, Mr Underhay, Sue Jerrett and all the IRC staff for their invaluable help and support.'

Mr Chambers said the planning of a trip to Tokyo for 20 Tavistock College students was now well under way, and due to take place in November this year.

'We will be looking to further our partnerships with Kasai Industrial High School and Rinkai Elementary School, as well as deepening our relationship with staff and pupils at Momijigawa Senior High School in Edogawa ward, Tokyo.'