Budding art critics enjoyed a cultural trip to Barcelona as part of the John Bentley School's first visit abroad since it was granted language college status last month.

Forty sixth form students and staff from the Calne school returned from Spain earlier this month, where they studied the work of some of the country's most famous artists.

They visited Gaudi's apartment building La Pedrera, his cathedral the Sagrada Familia and the Parc Guell.

Teacher Alan Agget said the pupils also visited the Picasso museum, which, he said, showed the artist's progression through his different styles of work.

But Mr Aggett said art was not the sole reason for the visit.

"Students were encouraged to explore the city, particularly La Rambla and Gotic, and sample the many restaurants, communicate with waiters and shopkeepers and generally absorb the Catalan atmosphere," he said.

"The visit exceeded expectations and the students, as always, were a credit to the school and excellent ambassadors for our country."

Mr Aggett said he looks forward to arranging a similar visit to the Italian capital city of Rome next year.