A RURAL primary school has strengthened its ties with a South African school.

Shocklach Oviatt Primary School, which is twinned with Langvlie Primary School in South Africa, has sent its international counterparts an extra-special present – a Manchester United shirt, signed by Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand.

The shirt will be hand-delivered by Adam and Tammy Gallacher, whose children attend the Malpas school, when they visit South Africa on a family holiday next week.

Mr Gallacher, who has connections with Manchester United, managed to arrange the gift, which has been placed in a frame to be hung in the school.

While there, they will present the shirt, meet pupils and see them record a special song for their English friends, which the Gallachers will bring back for the other school to learn.

Shocklach has been twinned with the African school for the past five years, via the Afri-Twin club, which offers opportunities for schools to promote interactive learning, global citizenship and life skills.

Shocklach School headteacher Sue Clisham said the shirt was something that the pupils at Langvlie School would relate to.

She said: “Everyone knows Manchester United so they will like that and we’re really looking forward to the Gallachers coming back and bringing the song and presentation for us.

“We have regular correspondence with the school and the pupils often write letters to each other.

“The school really values its international connections and tries to use it as much as possible to enhance our curriculum.”