A GROUP of German students have arrived in Halesowen for a special exchange programme called Fit for the Future.

The 21 students from a secondary school in Gladenbach, the Hessen area of Germany, are in town for 10 days experiencing events linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

They are doing work experience iat Halesowen College and in four of the college’s partner schools, Leasowes, Earls, Netherton's Hillcrest and St Micheal’s, Rowley Regis, helping out in language classes and across departments, including the library.

They are also taking part in a sports event involving pupils from St Michael’s  and running a range of sporting challenges as well as sampling food in the college’s training restaurant and attending a gig at Benjamins to see the college’s music students performing.

Tourist attractions and Worcester University are also on tehir itinerary.

College vice principal Mary Higgins said: “This is our very first exchange visit and we are delighted to welcome these students to Halesowen.

“We wanted to keep the Paralympics and Olympics legacy alive from the successful games last year and give the visit a sports and fitness feel.

“They will have a great experience and get involved in lots of different activities and events based on leadership and promoting healthy lifestyles.”

Halesowen College students will be paying a return visit to Germany in July.