TEACHERS from Nepal have visited the area as part of an international classrooms connection.

Colleagues Suresh Shrestha and Gunanidhi Koirala from the Gladstone Academy in Thimi, Nepal, visited Bowburn Infants and Nursery School under the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms scheme.

They spent a week observing lessons and seeing the region’s sights, including Durham Cathedral and the North Sea coast.

Bowburn pupils made two DVDs for the visitors, one about a day in school and one about phonics.

Trish Fay, the school’s international co-ordinator, said: “They loved our school and were very impressed by the standards of behaviour and learning.

“This was Mr Koirala’s first time out of Nepal and during a sightseeing trip he was extremely excited to see the sea and coast for the first time in his life.

“Both visitors were very impressed by Durham Cathedral, especially the views from the top of the tower.”