STUDENTS from across East Lancashire said bienvenue or welcome to a day of activities to celebrate European Languages Day.

Organised by the Council of Europe, the day aims to promote language learning and celebrate the 6,000 plus languages spoken across the world.

At Westholme School in Blackburn the day started with an assembly led by the languages department followed by a ‘delicioso’ buffet lunch.

Former pupil Vanessa Robinson from language service V Translate talked to youngsters about how languages have benefited her career.

Meanwhile at Fearns Community Sports College in Stacksteads children also took part in a quiz about Europe, Spanish and French Food while pain au chocolat was served at break time.

Year 11 pupils Rhiannon Clarkson, Emily Newbigging and Leah Thorpe also had the Polish flag painted on their cheeks to celebrate friend Zuzanna Czetowicz’s homeland.

Alexis Ribot, head of modern foreign languages, said: “The pupils have responded very well to the idea and it is part of raising the profile of the language department and the importance of learning a language.”