A SWISS youth orchestra paid their first ever visit to Britain - their destination - Bournemouth.

The Kriens Youth Orchestra from Lucerne stayed in the town as part of Bournemouth’s twinning celebrations in October 1989.

The 53-strong orchestra joined forces with local schools as part of a special concert.

They shared musical melodies with Homefield School Orchestra and Highcliffe Junior Choir for the event, which was staged at Bournemouth School for Girls.

Organiser Colin Young said the concert helped forge bonds between the orchestras.

“I really feel that we’re more than musicians playing playing together. We already think of each other as friends”.

Twinning spokesperson Marjorie Dacombe added: “It’s fantastic that these young people have got together and found a common bond through music”.

During the performance, the young musicians played a variety of music ranging from classical to Glen Miller and ending with a lively polka.