PUPILS from Holyrood Academy in Chard had the trip of a lifetime when they visited India.

The 13 students visited Delhi, Chennai, Kerala and Mumbai – and everyone got a photo of themselves at the Taj Mahal.

The highlight for students was the time spent at Holyrood’s partnership school in Chennai, The Green Valley School.

Students and staff were treated like royalty and activities included football matches, traditional dancing and a visit to the local orphanage.

Holyrood teacher Pauline Lamond said: “It was a real privilege to go on the 2014 trip with such a lovely group of students and fantastic staff.

“We are lucky to have a partnership with Green Valley School in Chennai. We were made welcome in the school and in their homes.

“Holyrood Academy has donated more than £1,200, through fundraising, to Little Drops Charity in Chennai.

“Under the mission statement of ‘We are here to work for society’s forgotten people’ it addressed needs for education in rural areas, supports families in distress and assists in the local orphanage and children’s home.”

The main purpose of the tour was to collect, select and assemble data and study materials for school-based projects to support learning for all.

The trip also gave students a chance to experience a culture and environment very different to their own.