FOUR teenagers are back from a trip of lifetime after taking the first steps to establish a Millennium link across the Atlantic Ocean.

The girls, who attend Tottington High School, spent a week in Woodbury, New Jersey, USA researching and retracing the remarkable journey of Bury pioneer Henry Wood, who founded the Quaker colony there more than 300 years ago.

Now more young people from Bury are set to follow in his steps and travel to America to celebrate the new Millennium next June.

Amy Senogles of Newcombe Drive, Holcombe Brook, Nicola Williams of Holly Street, Tottington, Jennifer Cliff of Moorside, Tottington, and Laura Lenaughan of Knowsley Road, Ainsworth, (pictured) flew to Woodbury to establish links with the city and make preparations for next year. With them were teachers Mr Chris Newton, Mrs Clodagh O'Flynn and Mr Melvin Magnall, the man behind the ambitious venture to re-establish links between Bury and Woodbury. The pupils beat off intense competition from around 30 fellow pupils with their winning project on Tottington High School to travel to America.

Their trip was financed through a fund especially set up for school excursions.

During the seven days they lived with local families. Their adventure included a trip to the White House and a meeting with Christie Whitman, the State Governor of New Jersey.

The pupils attended a service at the Woodbury Friends Meeting House. They visited the cemetery where the Mr Wood and his family are buried, as well as tracing his family tree.

"Unfortunately we were unable to track down any living relatives," said Mr Newton.

In June hundreds of young people will travel to Woodbury and plans for future exchange visits are in the pipeline.

"We are hoping this is the start of something big for the school and Bury," added Mr Newton.

Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Amy said: "We can really understand now the story behind the Quakers and who Henry Wood really was. We just wish all history lessons could be taught like this.

She added: "I for one will remember the Millennium as being very special."

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