BOLTON students were given an exclusive look at the England World Cup soccer squad's training facilities in Japan, and gave it a resounding thumbs up.

Students and staff from Canon Slade School, Bolton, went on a trip to the England HQ on Awaji Island during an exchange visit to their twin school, Poole Gakuin High School in Osaka.

And the 25 students and three staff on their Far East adventure were amazed at what they saw.

Geography teacher Emma Rawling Smith said: "The first thing the boys wanted to do was go on the pitch and pretend to kick a football about. They couldn't believe they were actually at the place where the England football team will be staying.

"The facilities are really impressive and the club house has a turf roof which is something a bit different." The party visited a number of places during their stay, including Tokyo and Hiroshima, and experienced real life.

Mrs Smith said: "The kids found that everything was completely different to what they're used to back home.

"They had to get used to a diet of sushi and sleep in strange Japanese style beds on the floor.

"But the kids were so happy to be able to go on this trip of a lifetime. We only visit them every three years and to have the chance to experience Japanese culture is something special," she said.

Mr Mike Perris, also a geography teacher added: "We had a superb visit and look forward to hosting 25 Japanese students and staff in Bolton next year.