LINKS with the Estonian town of Keila could become closer if a suggested scheme to help their students gain an insight into how businesses in East Cornwall are run comes to fruition.

Callington town councillor Andrew Long recently visited the town as a representative of the council during a four-way European link which saw 14 Callington school pupils join those from the town and Guipavas in Brittany and Barsbuttel in Germany on a fortnight-long project.

This was the fourth time the four towns had got together, the last being at an environmental camp in Callington last year.

'We were very impressed with what has been done in the ten years since Estonia's independence. When the Russians left they ripped the buildings apart — ceilings, plumbing, everything. The country is not after food or clothing — they have them now — but they do need help to help themselves,' Cllr Long said.

Heli Nurger, who was the Estonian trip organiser, had suggested providing students with an insight into how businesses in the West were run would be invaluable. Experience of the different culture would also be welcomed.

'We need companies of any size to provide one or two students in their late teens or early twenties with two weeks' unpaid experience of local businesses, similar to work experience.

'In addition, the students would stay with families to see how they live — basically to see how the world works in Cornwall,' Cllr Long said.

Estonia wants to bring its businesses up to EU standards as it would like to become a full member of the union.

Cllr Long plans to return to Keila for four days at Christmas and has arranged to meet with the town mayor, municipality mayor and a representative of the local college to discuss the proposed project.

It is hoped to obtain funding from the EU for the students to come to Cornwall, as the cost of travel alone would be the equivalent of a month's wages in that country — around £200.

'The Estonians are a very kind people and when the students were over here we were impressed by their politeness and command of English — which is their second language. They have similarities and natural links with the Cornish as their main industries are agriculture and tourism and both Cornish and Estonian are minority languages,' Cllr Long said.

Keila was presented with a Cornish book and St Piran's flag on behalf of the town council by Cllr Long, who says the flag will be flying over the town. An Estonian flag is being sent in return.

There are various twinning links between the four towns — Barsbuttel with Keila and Guipavas, and Callington with Guipavas — and Cllr Long said it was hoped to increase the direct links to involve all four towns in the future.

It is also hoped that local students will have a chance to visit Keila to experience the culture there in the future.

Callington Portreeve, Cllr Jane Black, said she was very enthusiastic about the project, which she supported wholeheartedly.

'It is important we keep our European links going and make them stronger — it will help each community. And linking with other young people must be good — it's where our future lies,' she said.

Anyone interested in providing placements for Estonian students or in learning more about the proposed links is asked to contact town clerk Michael Williams on 01579 384039.