PUPILS from a special school in Ireland will have a taste of life in the North-East later this month.

Following the Good Friday Agreement, an initiative was launched to promote links between schools in the north and south of Ireland, followed by a scheme to link schools in England with those in Eire.

Portland Special School, in Sunderland, has been successful in developing a link with Holy Family School, in County Cavan.

Holy Family is also a special school and, like Portland, caters for pupils with severe of multiple learning difficulties.

Portland pupils visited Ireland in May where they experienced life in a small rural community.

Pupils from Holy Family will arrive in Sunderland on June 18, and spend a week working with Portland pupils.

They will visit the Stadium of Light, the National Glass Centre and other North-East tourist attractions.

The youngsters will be able to compare their rural home with life in a busy town.

Deputy headteacher Martin Wright said: "The sharing of culture, friendship, educational practice and ideas is beneficial for the pupils and staff."