STAFF and students jetted off to Japan yesterday to forge closer East-West links.

They will be strengthening ties with Kinki University Technical College in Kumano, an engineering college specialising in electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.

Members of Mid-Cheshire College first visited the university in 2003, while Japanese staff and students paid a return visit in 2005.

The exchange was initially developed by David Humphries, a technology tutor whose son Simon works at the Japanese college. IT tutor Helen Armstrong and civil engineering tutor Paul Condliffe will be joined by technology students Laura Smith, Tim Clark and Craig Pratt on the eight-day trip.

'Over the past three years we have built up an extremely fruitful relationship with the college,' said principal John Reilly.

'This will be the third exchange visit since 2003 and we look forward to receiving our next group ofvisitorsfrom thecollegein2007. We have now decided to formalise our relationship by signing an agreement which officially recognises our growing friendship.'

On arrival in Kumano, the visitors will meet up with their host families and join them for a traditional Japanese evening meal.

Paul said: 'The students will spend time together discussing their different cultures and take part in a practical session to produce a solar car and robot, with a final presentation of work.'

Time will also be spent visiting tourist attractions and cultural festivals.