A HOME and away fixture for schools in Urmston and Malaysia is part of an education project backed by Manchester United.

St Antony's RCCollege welcomed a group of 12 students from Mara Junior Science College in Malaysia for a week-long trip.

A party of St Antony's pupils will return the favour and visit their counterparts in Malaysia in July.

The student link is part of the "playing for success" drive supported by the government and British Council, which promotes British interests abroad.

Its aim is to give young people from different backgrounds and cultures the chance to experience a small part of life for youngsters their own age in a different country.

Trafford council chief executive Carole Hassan said the visit was organised after a link was set up between the authority, Manchester United's study support centre and the British Council.

During their visit, the Malaysian students joined lessons at St Antony's, met the mayor of Trafford, visited the Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry and Urbis and the Lake District.

They also watched a session at the United training ground and were guests of the club at a Premiership match.