STUDENTS are helping to firm up international relations by taking part in a cultural youth group twinning project.

The youngsters from Nelson and Colne College sixth form went to Germany to meet with people from 13 countries to make friends with their peers in other parts of the world.

MORE TOP STORIES:

When they came back to the UK, teen Kate Whittaker, who is studying English language, literature, history and French and has ambitions to work in international relations, stayed in touch with some of the people she met and with the help of fellow student Connor Smith, and has now set up her own branch of Bonds Beyond Borders.

Kate, who is editor of the college student magazine Jigsaw, said: “The first international event is set for June 19 to the 23 which is really exciting.

“Members will get the opportunity to fly to Paris to take part in Criel’s Jubilee twinning celebrations with members of the organisation from Germany and France.

“Bonds Beyond Borders has really taken off with our friends around the world.

“I would love to enter a career in international relations so this is an absolutely brilliant opportunity.

“To have an impact on the world would be a dream come true.

“We want to promote inter-cultural sensitivity, international friendships and the first ever world-wide youth twinning group.”

Connor added: “The current twinning committee has virtually no involvement of youth, which I find a shame, given how amazing the opportunity it for young people.

“The aim of BBB is to create a strong group who can increase the reputation of town-twinning and also achieve more funding and recognition.”

David Carter, chairman of Pendle twinning association, said setting up the group was great news for the area.

If you are a young person, living in Pendle and an interest in the international community, email bondsbeyondborders@outlook.com.