PUPILS took part in an extraordinary school visit when they met the president of their Mediterranean host country.

Six students from The Academy at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, have just returned from a visit to Malta where they met the Maltese president, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

The trip was organised the British Council, Erasmus project, tackling stereotypes in schools.

During a week of activities with students from other European countries tackling the issue of gender stereotyping, the County Durham group was invited to meet the President at her the Palace in San Anton where she talked to them about the importance of creating awareness of stereotyping and discrimination.

Ian Kell, Erasmus lead at The Academy at Shotton Hall, said: “We get involved in as many Erasmus projects as possible, which gives our students unique opportunities to travel and experience different cultures.

“Meeting the president was the highlight of what was a brilliant adventure and is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”