TEENAGERS from South Africa spent six weeks getting to grips with computer and science technology at a Horwich school.

A group of four 16-year-olds enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they visited Rivington and Blackrod High School for a six week placement.

The two boys and two girls, who are from the township of Atteridgeville in Pretoria, had few computer skills when they arrived, but have now gained certificates in basic ICT training.

The young people were also presented with laptop computers to take back to their school which will help to transform classes for both the students and teachers.

Links with the school in South Africa were set-up a few years ago when the head of Rivington and Blackrod, John Baumber, led a Government sponsored visit to the country and became friends with an outreach worker from the township who is trying to improve the education of black teenagers in schools which were previously neglected under Apartheid.

Mr Baumber said: "The trip was a huge success and the South African teenagers learned a great deal. They proved a big hit with our pupils."