PADGATE schoolchildren have been building bridges with their Irish counterparts on an exchange trip to Londonderry.

The team of 19 pupils from St Oswald's Primary School met children from a protestant and catholic school on the three day trip to the St Columbs House, a purpose-built centre which caters for exchange parties.

The trip was organised by the Warrington Project, an organisation set up in the wake of the Bridge Street bombing. A number of the town's schools will be visiting Ireland in the future as part of the exchange scheme.

St Oswald's headteacher Eileen Fitzgerald said: "The children exchanged letters and photographs to build up a relationship before the trip.

"It is a two year initiative and the Irish children will be coming here."

During their stay in Ireland, the children toured Londonderry and visited a museum which gave them an insight into the troubles. They also went to the Giant's Causeway which has recently featured in their school lessons.

Eileen says the aim of the trips is to promote peace.

"We want to break down stereotypes," she said, "so they realise that we are all the same.

"I told the children that they are little ambassadors who are taking a message of peace."

St Vincent's Primary School, Penketh has also just returned from an exchange trip to Northern Ireland - read all about it on page 18

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