IT was a scene straight from the well-known Ferrero Rocher advert.

As German Ambassador Dr Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz handed over tubes of sweets to pupils at Pinehurst Junior School, the temptation to utter the unforgettable words "with these, Ambassador, you are really spoiling us" was almost too much.

But the children settled for a round of applause after performing a special assembly of songs and music, some in German, to entertain the Ambassador on his visit.

He chose the school because it is the only junior school linked with Swindon's twin town of Salzgitter.

Pupils have their own German penpals and teachers have visited their twin school to share ideas.

Dr von Ploetz is interested in education and ensuring young people learn international skills and languages.

He said: "The top German companies in Britain don't find enough people with international skills.

"I wanted to bring the message to parents and teachers that they can give children better chances when they teach them these."

Swindon, he said, was an impressive city with strong German links.

"There are 16 German companies in Swindon employing 2,000 people. It is a city which tries to get as much mileage out of its town twinning relationship as possible," he said.

And the Ambassador had some words to say about the issue of Britain becoming more of a part of Europe.

"Britain and Germany share so many interests they will be more successful in trying to pursue them together. Part of the British problem with Europe is that people don't know enough about it."

As well as visiting Pinehurst, Dr von Ploetz also met young people from Moredon and Penhill Youth Centre, students at Hreod Parkway and visited the Civic Offices.

Pinehurst Junior headteacher Steve Hobbs said he was delighted the Ambassador had come to the school.

"Since the children have this link with Germany, it is important for them to take advantage of it," he said.