YOUNG rugby players from an independent Catholic school in Ribble Valley forged links with Gibraltar during a week-long visit to "the Rock".

Fourteen students and 25 parents and staff from St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst, visited the family of fellow pupil and Gibraltarian Albert Isola.

They met Gibraltar governor David Dune, enjoyed a paint-ball session and took part in a first aid course.

The school's rugby coach, Charles Watson, who organised the tour, said: "We had a fantastic time. Gibraltar children have been attending St Mary's Hall and Stonyhurst College for the past 100 years and the trip reaffirmed those links."

The team also visited Marbella, where they played two games against Marbella Rugby Club, winning 17-10 and 7-5.