TWO French student nurses have gained a valuable insight into the NHS thanks to the borough's strong twinning links.

Sandra Borie and Alexandra Jacquement have now returned home to Tulle after spending nearly a month on a work and training placement stint at Fairfield Hospital, Bury.

Throughout their visit, the duo stayed with Bury Metro Community Twinning Association press officer Mr Paul Eslick and his family at Hardman Close, Radcliffe.

Tulle is one of Bury's three twin towns and each year the borough acts as hosts for numerous French visitors.

Mr Eslick said: "They used their holiday to do a placement at Fairfield. While they worked at the hospital, the girls were up at 7.30am each day. So, that didn't leave them much time for partying as they've been tired out."

But they did find time for one celebration. For the visit co-incided with Alexandra's 21st birthday.

"Basically, they are trying to develop their training and were able to get that away from Tulle. They both work at a local hospital there and are due to finish their training in December next year."

Both Sandra and Alexandra were able to view life in a local hospital and helped out their colleagues by undertaking numerous tasks.

Pictured practising their bedside manner on patient Carole Green of Bull Hill Crescent, Radcliffe, are Sandra Borie (extreme left) and Alexandra Jacquement (third left), along with staff nurses (from left) Becky Ray and Collette Goodman.

Mrs Jean Page, the hospital's senior nurse manager for surgery and critical care, said: "Both girls worked on a ward and were able to put into practice what they had learned in Tulle.

"We also arranged for the girls to be given three different placements. They had a day in the neo-natal unit, a day in the operating theatre and a day on intensive care."

She added: "That allowed them to get a broad experience. They were really good, lovely girls and both were terribly charming."