STAFF from an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia have been in Keighley as part of an established exchange programme.

Arabic and IT teacher Fajar Suryono and Arabic teacher Emah Maziyah Mahrus, both of Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School, in Jakarta, spent 10 days at Holy Family Catholic School.

This was their first time in England, and they were accompanied by seven of their own pupils, aged 15 to 18. The link between Holy Family and Darunnajah has been running for nine years, though this was only the second year that students as well as staff from Darunnajah have made the trip to Keighley.

Mr Suryono said the Holy Family pupils were very welcoming, enthusiastic and keen to learn.

He added: "I think Keighley is a very quiet, clean place compared to Jakarta. We felt cold when we first arrived, but we've adapted!

"We've been teaching the students here some Arabic and Indonesian words, and also a bit about the geography of Indonesia.

"We're happy to have this nine-year-old relationship with Holy Family, and we'd like to say thank you to the school for the welcome they have given us."

During their stay, the pair were taken on visits to York, the Old Trafford football stadium in Liverpool and had a chance to watch a Burnley versus Sunderland football game. They also met overseas Indonesian students during a trip to Leeds University.

Holy Family assistant head teacher Eileen Llewellyn said: "For the first time we will have a student from Holy Family who will be travelling to Indonesia. They will fly out with two of our staff members next month."