ON July 11 John Kyrle High School students and staff were ready to embark on their biennial sports tour this year visiting Cape Town in South Africa.

Students will play rugby and netball matches against local opposition as well as, visiting such places as Robben Island; taking part in the Cape Peninsular tour; going on an overnight safari and working with local children as part of the work of the Goedgedacht Trust.

The students and staff are sure to make an impression due the range of touring kit and leisurewear that has been supported by a number of local businesses.

Match kits, leisurewear and kitbags have been sponsored by Dawleys Services LTD. In addition Harris Garden Machinery has also generously contributed to the tour, sponsoring the touring party's casual T-shirts which have been worn during fundraising and will be worn throughout the trip.

Alliance in Partnership have funded the tour polo shirts which will be worn whist travelling and before and after fixtures. Wye Valley Visitor Centre have sponsored the rucksack which pupils will carry every day, holding all their essential items. Admiral and Helphire have sponsored the tour hoodies which will keep the students warm in their early morning adventures.

Special thanks are extended to both Scott at M&M Ices Hereford, who has contributed to the tour, but has also been supporting the touring party during their various fund raising activities and Mark at the Man of Ross.

Tour leaders, Joe Deuchar and Sarah Johnstone said that; "The generous support of local businesses has been instrumental in ensuring we can provide the best experience for the pupils going on tour. We take a mixed group of pupils from Years 10 and 11 on tour and so the kit we wear is an important part of the group coming together. Not only do they look really smart, they feel like a team and they represent the school's values".

Head teacher Nigel Griffiths added, 'I know the squad will have a wonderful time in South Africa. As with all students we send abroad, they will be excellent ambassadors for the school and the town. In addition to wishing the students well, I want to thank my staff for arranging and taking the tour.

"John Kyrle is very lucky to have so many staff who will give up their time to enable students to have these life-enhancing experiences".