Rangers, volunteers, residents and school children warmly welcomed a party of Ugandans from the Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda.

They had flown all the way from Africa to sign a historic twinning agreement between the two parks, which it is hoped will bring an exchange of conservation knowledge and skills between both nature reserves.

The English side of project will raise funds in support of a number of Ugandan initiatives including the building of school classrooms, the creation of women’s craft cooperatives and helping to start sustainable farming projects.

Ugandan Wildlife Authority's executive director, Moses Mapesa, signed the agreement, and his team were read out welcome letters by pupils from Herne Junior School.

In return, the Ugandan guests handed out presents to the school children.

Representatives of Portsmouth Football Club were also present to hand over a Portsmouth FC football shirt to the visitors.

QECP ranger Steve Peach said the twinning project would involve both communities and promote conservation among Ugandans and Petersfield residents.

He said: “I think this will help us work together and be able to send volunteers over there and to bring Ugandans back to us.

“What is different about this twinning project is we are have something in common to bring us both together.

“Any local group or club who would like to go out to Uganda and get involved in conservation can do so if they like.”

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to hippopotami, leopards, elephants and lions.