TEACHERS established new links between schools in Weymouth and Portland and schools in Kenya during their very own African adventure.

St John's Primary School and Budmouth Technology College have enjoyed official connections with the Wiru Primary and Secondary Schools for the last two years.

Now staff have helped form five more relationships between other Chesil Education Partnership schools and their African counterparts.

St John's headteacher John Horrell said: "The response from the Kenyan headteachers was amazing - they were so thrilled to be involved. Their enthusiasm and hospitality was humbling and touched us all. We hope, through their involvement in future curriculum projects, to one day welcome some of them to Weymouth."

Mr Horrell joined fellow teachers from St John's, Budmouth and other Weymouth and Portland schools on the visit to the Chogoria region, close to Mount Kenya.

The group established link-ups for Wyvern School, Holy Trinity School, St Andrew's Primary School, St George's Primary School and Conifers Primary School during the self-funded trip.

"These are equal links, we can learn as much from them as they can from us," Mr Horrell said.

"Inevitably their conditions are not as good as those in Dorset, so there are practical ways we can help improve things for them.

"But the real value lies in the exchange of information between the schools."

Contrast Mr Horrell said the environment in Chogoria is a totally different world' - and that local youngsters can learn from the contrast.

He said Weymouth and Portland pupils are writing to pen pals in Kenya and teachers are taking containers of equipment out there with them.

Wyvern School teacher Dave Allen met with staff and youngsters at a unit for students with special needs during the visit.

He said: "This exciting development will enable pupils from Wyvern to learn about the lives of pupils with similar needs in Africa.

"Our pupils will be fascinated by the way children live in Kenya when they exchange photos, letters and other material."

The trip was set up by the Dorset Expeditionary Society, which regularly takes Duke of Edinburgh students on trips to Chogoria.

Leader Martyn Hastings added: "I'm delighted that Weymouth's involvement has now extended to other Chesil Education Partnership schools."