STUDENTS and staff from Suffolk College are to perform a theatrical piece and stage an art exhibition in Arras, northern France.Local dignitaries from both Arras and Suffolk will be attending the event and official reception, along with a party of 40 from the college in Ipswich.

STUDENTS and staff from Suffolk College are to perform a theatrical piece and stage an art exhibition in Arras, northern France.

Local dignitaries from both Arras and Suffolk will be attending the event and official reception, along with a party of 40 from the college in Ipswich.

The event is to be held at the Noroit Cultural Centre in central Arras on July 9.

Staff and students from the FE Catering and Hospitality Curriculum Centre will be greeting guests, providing drinks and canapés at the reception.

Second year National Diploma Performing Arts students under the artistic direction of Imogen Fraser (Lecturer in Performing Arts) will perform Scorzone.

The inspiration for Scorzone came from an ancient Greek story written by Plato describing a time when 'each one of us was two of us'.

Second Year undergraduate BA Fine Art students will be mounting an exhibition of their work and there will also be an exhibition of students' embroidery.

Peter Funnell, assistant principal in learning development, said: "There are a number of reasons for this visit; to firm up and develop our relationship with the University d'Artois, and to proactively support the link between Arras and Ipswich and offer some leadership in the development of cultural links between the towns.

"It will also support future curriculum initiatives and student exchanges."

He added: "I do not see this as a one-off activity, but rather a rekindling of a fruitful – and cost-effective – exchange that will grow and develop in the future."