Students at a Norwich school are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their German exchange programme this week.

The 28 German pupils, who are visiting Norwich High School for Girls from The Elly-Heu-Knapp Gymnasium, in south west Germany, learnt lacrosse skills yesterday and were introduced to handball in time to be able to watch and understand the fast moving game at the Olympics next year.

Last night there was a reception for the visitors and for parents and former Norwich High School girls.

German week started on Monday, October 3, when the school celebrated German Unification Day and visitors from the foreign partner school led the assembly.

Cathy Norris, who has been organising the exchange programme for Norwich High since 1990, said: 'We have tried to get the whole school involved rather than it just being the 28 pupils who are taking part this time. The sport morning has been really good, sport is a universal language.'

On Tuesday the girls enjoyed a German themed school lunch, including soup and meatloaf, and prepared a German black forest gateau, Schwarzw�lder Kirschtorte.

Is your school celebrating a special anniversary? Contact reporter Lucy Wright on 01603 772495 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk

Above, pupils from the two schools enjoy handball.

Picture: BIll Smith