Italian students have met Swindon mayor Derek Benfield during their three-week stay in the town.

The group from a college near Ancona, is in town as part of a biology course supporting the Great Western Community Forest Team in a range of environ-mental activities.

This has included identifying birds, mammals, trees, plants and aquatic life at South Marston Brook and Hreod Burna Brook, in Moredon.

Dave Evans, Community Forest director, said: "Their contribution is a huge support to the development of these projects".

While in Swindon, the students have stayed with local families and will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding country, towns and cities.

Daryl Jones, Senior Economic Development Officer for Swindon Council said: "This is the second visit in three years by students from the same Italian College. We are delighted the success of the previous visit has encouraged more students to return to Swindon."

The students are funded by the Italian Government and return to Italy on Saturday.