THE Rotary Club of Farnham has welcomed the University for the Creative Arts’ newest cohort of international students to the town at a special event at Farnham Castle.

Students from as far afield as Sweden, Jordan and Taiwan met with Rotary members to learn about the town’s rich history and vibrant community.

The president of the Rotary Club of Farnham, Ian Sargant said: “For the past few years we’ve liked to welcome the international students to Farnham to tell them a bit about the town and to create goodwill at an international level.

“Hopefully they’ll feel an attachment to Farnham as a result of this and know that Rotary do a lot of stuff internationally, and do a lot for young people.”

After a spread that reflected the international diversity of the attendees, the students were given a tour of the castle and had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost.

Product design student Lianne Manna, 18, who was brought up in Jordan but is originally from Palestine said: “I really enjoy the atmosphere of Farnham – it’s a calm and cosy town. The people have been very friendly and welcoming, and with all the other international students here I feel there are other people in the same boat as me.”

Danielle Jones, UCA international development and support manager added: “Events like this are important as it brings the two communities together, and it offers our new international students a chance to see that they’re not only part of the university community, but they’re also part of Farnham’s community as well.”