Spanish students are hoping to be welcomed into homes across Bury as part of a language programme which has started up again for the first time since before the pandemic.

A group of 50 Spanish students from Madrid, Toledo and Valencia will be visiting the area at the end of June this year for three weeks.

Language-Link was set up by Bury dad-of-four Haydn Royle, who used to host Spanish students that attended the school his children went to.

He said: “Over the years, and through word of mouth alone, a greater number of Spanish families contacted me in order to facilitate a similar experience for their sons and daughters.

“Hence the development of my Language-Link programme which has grown from strength to strength over the years.”

Language-Link will be escorting the 11-to 17-year-old Spanish students on their trip to the North West to stay with local families with children of a similar age who share similar hobbies and interests.

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The Spanish boys and girls will be hosted for a three week stay and will attend local schools in Bury and Bolton for the last few weeks of the summer term.

The Spanish students will then be escorted back to Spain before the schools break up for summer holidays.

Around 25 secondary schools in the region have supported Language-Link placements along with a number of primary schools and sixth form colleges.

The programme has become more popular in recent years and proves to be a culturally and educationally enriching experience for all involved.

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Students from the UK don’t need to be studying Spanish to participate however it is a great opportunity for those who are.

The experience is very beneficial in their language learning journey, and they will get the chance to practice and improve their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.

But due to the pandemic the service has faced disruption.

Haydn said: “Unfortunately, in early 2020 the entire planned trip had to be cancelled, much to the dismay of around 50 Spanish boys and girls and local hosting families.

“Again in 2021, I was unable to organise the programme due to the ongoing pandemic and imposed travel restrictions.

"In summer 2022 I escorted my first returning cohort of Spanish students from Spain and complied with all the necessary covid related paperwork associated with international travel."

This year's Spanish students include keen footballers and sport enthusiasts, musicians, linguists and members of the Spanish Scout and Guide movements whilst others enjoy gaming or shopping.

All Spanish students are looking for British pals from caring, enthusiastic families who they can experience local life and improve their English during their stay.

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Each year, Language-Link invite the British and Spanish boys and girls together with participating school representatives for a paid for evening at the well-known "Baci" Italian restaurant in Harwood to eat pizza, pasta and talk "Spanglish".

Language-Link are very keen to involve more host families who have sons or daughters in local secondary schools and suitable families will receive a substantial expense allowance for taking part.

Families who would like more information regarding hosting this summer should make contact as soon as possible by email to haydn@languagelinkintl.com.

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