PEOPLE connected with an East Hampshire school gave a masterclass in hospitality when they welcomed a headteacher from Africa.

Young pupils were given a valuable experience of another culture when Seth Afedzi visited Steep Primary School.

The guest talked to pupils about his school in central Ghana and gave prayers in his native language during a fascinating encounter.

The visit was made possible by the Diocese of Portsmouth as Mr Afedzi’s parish of Assin Foso is linked with Steep through the Inter Diocesan West African Link (IDWAL).

Mr Afedzi had not travelled outside Ghana prior to last month but the diocese overcame visa issues to secure his trip to Britain.

The special guest was hosted by the Rev John Owen and his wife, Jane, at the Vicarage, and he took part in services at All Saints.

He also attended a wedding, sat with the Steep ‘s board of governors on its first meeting of the school year and took part in a diocesan conference in Hertfordshire.

The trip has been two years in the pipeline as Mr Owen and other parish members met Mr Afedzi during an IDWAL trip to Ghana in 2016.

His visit to Steep Primary School was a highlight with him wearing traditional Ghanian clothing for the occasion.

“It’s been a rich and rewarding experience for the pupils and for both of us as headteachers,” said headteacher at Steep Primary School Lou Romans.

“He has taken away things he wants to do differently in his school and has given me and the pupils an experience of a different educational culture.”

The headteacher added: “He led a collective worship and gave prayers in his first language and talked to all of the children about Ghana and what life is like in his parish.

“His English is impeccable and the children have absolutely loved his time here.”