A WEST Devon primary school has launched a new European project forming links with Spain.

St Andrew's CE School in Buckland Monachorum hosted a recent launch evening, where pupils, parents, governors and members of the community enjoyed an informal introduction to the Comenius Regio Partnership which will promote joint co-operation activities between the local and regional authorities of Galacia, Spain and Plymouth.

As well as St Andrew's Primary, two other schools will be involved in the project — St Andrew's CE Primary in Plymouth and CPI O'Cruce, Cerceda, La Coruna in Spain as well as the universities of Plymouth and Santiago de Compostela.

The aims of the project are to improve pupils' learning of Spanish language and culture, research and use of European key competencies for lifelong learning and the creation of family and community Spanish learning opportunities.

The highlight of the launch evening was Chef Ibon from La Tasca Restaurant, Plymouth, who demonstrated how to cook an authentic paella.

Ibon went on to share many interesting facts about Spanish cuisine and traditions and captured everyone's interest and enthusiasm for the project.

Following this event the first Family/Community Spanish Learning Evening took place where pupils, parents and members of the local community took part in a range of activities linked to Spanish Christmas and New Year customs, sampled traditional foods and practised Spanish language skills in a social, fun and informal way.

In the New Year guests from Spain will be visiting the English schools and St Andrew's, Buckland Monachorum will hold its second Family/Community Learning evening on Tuesday January 24 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the school hall when there will be an opportunity to look at ICT and Spanish learning using the Linguascope programme