Youngsters from Bridport have just spent three weeks enjoying Japanese hospitality thanks to a long-running exchange scheme.

Now the youngsters, members of Bridport Young Persons’ Action Trust (BYPAT), are back and enthusing about their experiences.

Much of their time was spent in Tokyo, living with the families of the partners they had themselves hosted last summer in Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme.

Although there was some trepidation mixed with excitement at the thought of immersing themselves in everyday life, they soon found there was no need to worry.

One of the students, Jake Gurd, said: “I was treated amazingly. The family treated me as though I was their own and I am touched by that. This was the best three weeks of my life.”

His sentiments were echoed by Freya Brightwater: “I love my Japanese family. Everyone was always attentive and kind. The food was always delicious. I’ll miss it a lot. My partner Mito’s house now feels like my own home. I really did not want to leave.”

Students said it was a pleasure meeting up with their partners again after a year’s interval, as Charlotte Bradley confirmed: “My partner Yuki is kind, friendly, funny and has made the visit to Japan so enjoyable.”

There were many highlights, including a day at the Koyamadai High School, where they experienced a traditional tea ceremony as well as Kendo, and Japanese cooking.

They also visited the famous shrine at Asakusa, Studio Ghibli, the Imperial Palace, a sumo wrestling ring, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Sky Tree – at 2,080 feet (634 metres}, the world’s tallest tower.

During their four-day visit to Kansai the group visited Miyajima Island, with its iconic Tora gate rising out of the sea.

They also stayed in Kyoto and Hiroshima where they visited the Peace Museum.

Phoebe Levien said: “This was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Before, I knew only the basics of what it was, so it was both interesting and emotional to see the museum and the Peace Park. It really deepened my understanding.” Leon Parkin added: “It had a profound effect on us. It was unlike any other museum.”

Leon’s mother, Jo, contacted BYPAT to say: “Thank you so very much for giving Leon such a fantastic opportunity.

“He has had the most amazing time – he couldn’t stop talking about it.

“Keep up the good work.”

The 2013-14 programme was led by James Lathey, himself a member of the exchange some years earlier.