FAMILIES in Marlborough have been busy playing host to 20 Japanese boys as part of a homestay programme to learn more about the country.

Over the past two weeks, they have been exploring places in and around the town including West Woods in Manton where they had a survival session on making shelters, fires and learning to disguise themselves in the woodland setting.

The boys from Nagoya in Japan also attended Marlborough College Summer School taking part in the language lessons and other activities.

The home-stay programme was organised by Learning Journeys and the Study Abroad Consultancy and this is the third year it has taken place in Marlborough.

Alexandra Jackson Kay, Learning Journeys' homestay co-ordinator, said: "The welcome the boys have received from the Marlborough host families is unprecedented. These families are a credit to the town.

"I am so impressed at the way these boys have been nurtured and included in their host families lives. It has been a hugely worthwhile experience for both the boys and their host families.

"We are always looking for families who would like to join our programme."

To find out more about the homestay programme, contact Alexandra Jackson Kay at ajk.learningjourneys@gmail.com