STUDENTS at Caistor Yarborough Academy said "haloo" to a group of Finnish visitors, as they teamed up to decide on Our Food Future.

The Year 10 and 11 students are working towards an International GCSE in Global Perspectives – a Cambridge University qualification, which aims to encourage independent learning and raise awareness of national and global issues.

Now, with the help of their counterparts at Finland's Pappilanmaki Secondary and Padasjoki Upper Secondary Schools, they will be researching new sustainable ways of producing food on a global scale.

And, to start it all off, ten Finnish students and two teachers have come to Caistor to experience life as a student at the Academy, experience the area's heritage through a visit to Lincoln and share performances of traditional folktales, The Kalevala.

Finnish English teacher Tanja Usitala said: "This project, involving drama, is about sustainable food production, something important to all of us.

"We are delighted to be here and we hope to welcome Caistor Academy students to Finland next summer."

To mark the beginning of the partnership, local dignitaries, staff and students also enjoyed a buffet meal and presentation to wish all the very best for Our Food Future.

Year 11 student James Robertson said: "It's been an amazing couple of days; it's been great to make such strong links already as friends and colleagues in just two days, so for me this is a wonderful opportunity to be an international student."

Head of Caistor Yarborough Academy Jeremy Newnham added: "It is good to have set up this exchange and we are delighted to welcome students from Finland.

"It is important for us to look beyond our boundaries."