WINCHESTER’S Prince’s Mead threw open its doors to five teachers from Nigeria, who recently stayed with them for a week.

The guests, who all work at The Regent School based in Abuja, shadowed lessons and took an assembly.

In the assembly Mr Akif, Miss Tishi, Mrs Ene, Mrs Anne and Mr Moses told pupils at the co-educational preparatory school about life in Nigeria, their food and festivals.

Wearing the country’s national costumes, they dazzled pupils and staff with their colourful outfits while explaining the traditional relevance of what they were wearing. And they talked about life at The Regent School, which follows a British curriculum and where 500 boys and girls aged between two and 11 are taught.

“We felt so welcome in the school and when we went round Winchester. Everyone was very warm and helpful,” said Mrs Anne.

“Touring the city made me realise how historical it is here.”

The visit came about because Prince’s Mead Headmistress Penelope Kirk has strong links with several African schools - she is a Governor of The Banda, in Nairobi.

“We teach our children here that we’re a multi-cultural society," she said.

“Having the Regent staff with us for a week enriched our community’s lives, with their enthusiastic presence culminating in the most amazing assembly when they shared stories about Nigeria.”

The visit proved so successful both schools have decided to make it an annual event.

“Three of my staff have already asked if they can go out to Nigeria for a visit!” added Miss Kirk.

Prince's Mead, based at a former mansion in Kings Worthy, near Winchester, increased its pupil numbers throughout the recession; it now has 285 pupils, aged between four and eleven.

The school has a reputation for nurturing its children through high levels of pastoral care so they grow into confident and respectful young people and achieve the best they can be.

This year a quarter of Year 6 children were offered senior school scholarships.