TWENTY Japanese students and two leaders from Tokyo paid a recent visit to Tavistock, staying with host families in the town as part of Tavistock College's exchange programme.

The students, from Edogawa Ward, studied English every morning and enjoyed a variety of experiences, including horse-riding on Dartmoor, visits to Tintagel and Exeter and teaching Origami to students at Whitchurch Primary School.

One of the highlights of their trip was the welcome reception held by the mayor of Tavistock Harry Smith and his wife Mary in the town hall.

The students told the mayor how much they had enjoyed the warm hospitality of their host families.

The occasion was made even more memorable by the presence of David Turner, the town crier.

Tavistock College students will go to Edogawa Ward as part of the annual Japanese exchange from November 9 to 22.