A BURLISH teddy bear has pride of place in an African classroom thanks to a school link scheme.

The bear - sent by post - is a symbol of the friendships being built between Burlish Park Primary School and a village school in The Gambia.

Pupils at the Stourport school, have been learning about education in the western African nation as part of the Global Dimension project.

Miss Ronnie Carvell, a voluntary service overseas (VSO) worker who trains teachers in The Gambia accepted an invitation to the primary school.

She had youngsters dressing up in traditional garments, while she explained The Gambia's rich tapestry of culture.

The visit built on links which have flourished between Burlish Park and Dobo village school since September, with staff swapping schoolwork through the post and sending the friendship bear.

Carly Morson, the school's Global Dimension co-ordinator, said: "Miss Carvell took assemblies and then went off to work with the separate year groups.

"The pupils had a lovely time trying on traditional clothes and grinding rice."

Burlish Park youngsters, Liam James and Tamara Patterson, both 10, are pictured with Ronnie Carvell.