CHILDREN from Norton Primary School had an exciting weekend in France.

Boulogne was the venue for 40 year six children. It was the first time Norton Primary School pupils had been to France.

They travelled to France by ferry and coach and stayed at a youth accommodation centre overlooking the beach.

It wasn't all play - as the children had a French lesson before they went shopping in Boulogne market. Each child had to buy something from the very patient stallholders.

In the afternoon, they all visited a chocolate factory in a nearby village, stopping off at a supermarket on their way back to the accommodation centre.

The children, teachers and helpers had great fun playing on the beach on the Saturday evening. The day was rounded off by a fireworks display for Bastille Day.

The next day, July 14, was a national holiday in France.

On the agenda was a visit to a sea life centre, before they packed up and began the long journey home.

"We arrived back in Norton at about 10.30pm, tired and happy," said teacher John Boardman.

"We enjoyed meeting French people, speaking French and most of us enjoyed the food.

"Thanks to the teachers and helpers, good weather and kind French people, it was a successful first visit to France for Norton Primary School."

Updated: 09:47 Wednesday, July 24, 2002