A culture swap is taking place in West Cumbria as a group of Tanzanians visit the county.

It is part of a regular cultural exchange programme organised by the Cumbria-Rungwe Community Link.

A group of six students and three leaders from the Rungwe district in Tanzania are visiting Copeland and Allerdale.

The group has visited St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven to see students practise their performance for the upcoming northern finals of Rock Challenge this weekend.

Yesterday’s visit was part of an action-packed programme of events over the next three weeks.

Andrew Haslop, who is part of CRCL and is also a teacher at West Lakes Academy in Egremont, said: “Students are staying with different students during their stay and leaders are staying with members of the committee.

“While they are here they have a full timetable. There are going to different schools and community events.”

During their visit, they will be going to Eskdale school, West Lakes Academy, Mayfield School and featuring in Whitehaven Carnival.

“The aim of the link is that cultural exchange,” said Mr Haslop.

He said the exchange is beneficial for the West Cumbrian students who are hosting their peers.

Mr Haslop said: “It’s something very new to them and their parents, but it’s good because they have that connection and they develop much more of a stronger bond. Both the Tanzania and West Cumbrians learn more about each other cultures.”

The group arrived at the weekend and stayed in Keswick before doing some team-building activities with students from Tanzania and West Cumbria.

This year, two of the Tanzanian leaders are Swiga Mbila and Devotha Nyambo. They were past students who came to Cumbria when they were school children and they are now leaders of the charity and on the committee in Tanzania.

CRCL chairman Julia Lee says it has been a delight to see Swiga again as the pair were both involved in the Link project about 20 years ago.

Mrs Lee said: “It shows why the link works. You can see that the link has come full circle.”

It is a special year for the link as it is marking its 30th anniversary. A birthday celebration is being held at Bigrigg Village Hall this Saturday, from 7pm until 11pm.

“We really would love people who have been involved in the link to come along,” said Mrs Lee.

Roger Shipton-Smith, who was involved in the link when it started will be speaking. Photos will also be on display and there will also be raffles, a fundraising auction and music by the Northern Threads.

It will be £1 on the door, which includes a free drink on entry.

Community events:

Social evening at Florence Mine Arts on Friday July 7, from 7pm

Farewell ceilidh at Egremont Market Hall on Friday, July 14, from 7pm.