STUDENTS from Pendle’s twin town in Palestine are set to strengthen their bond with the borough during a special visit next week.

Six boys, aged between 13 and 17, from the West Bank will meet their counterparts at five Pendle schools during the trip.

They will also be joined by the Mayor of Beit Leed The trip has been arranged by the Pendle Palestine Twinning Group (PPTG), a group formed in 2007 by Pendle people who were concerned about the treatment of Palestinians.

Richard MacSween, chair of the PPTG, said: “This trip almost didn’t happen because Israel changed the rules about visas during the war and bombardment of Gaza this summer.

“The hold-up in the visa system shows the difficulties faced by Palestinians who want to travel.

“All movement in and out of Palestine is controlled by the Israeli military occupation, which is completely unjust.”

The group hopes that the trip will help Pendle high school students learn more about the conflict in Palestine.

Mr MacSween said: “I hope that friendships are forged and that in some small way, that makes a difference to their lives."

The mayors of Pendle and Beit Leed will meet each other in Nelson Town Hall next Saturday.

The public will also have the chance to meet the delegation during an event entitled Palestinian Children Speak Out, on Friday, October 3 at 7pm in Brierfield Community Centre.

One of the organisers, Sabia Khan said: “This visit gives people from the two countries the chance to meet and learn from each other.

“And it could only happen because we have had lots of voluntary donations towards the cost – we don’t get any funding from the council.

“People gave generously towards aid for Gaza recently, and they have been keen to support this visit too, so we are very grateful.”