VISITORS from Kuwait made a welcome return to the north Lancashire school where they sought refuge during the Gulf War, nearly 30 years ago.
After the Iraqi army’s occupation of Kuwait and the outbreak of the first Gulf War in August 1990, 15 Kuwaiti children found a safe haven in the county.
They represented some of around 400,000 Kuwaiti citizens to leave the country following the invasion.
Living in lodges at Pine Lake, near Carnforth, the children were enrolled at Wilson's Endowed CE School in Over Kellet.
They studied at the school for a year, returning home to Kuwait in July 1991.
Almost 30 years later, the former students travelled to England and visited the village school which had provided education and enjoyment at a very difficult time in their young lives.
They toured the school, chatting to staff and pupils and speaking enthusiastically about their experiences as students back in the early '90s.
“It was lovely to welcome our Kuwaiti friends back to their rural English school," said head teacher Jo Williams. "The children were fascinated by their story and the many happy memories they held. As a school, we are very proud to have been able to help in difficult circumstances.”
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