Brandishing a sword and a mace in the city council chambers isn’t the average summer holiday day-out.

But this was just one of many opportunities that young people involved with the Carlisle Youth Exchange experienced whilst broadening their cultural horizons.

During the 31st annual Youth Exchange programme, 30 young people from Carlisle, Flensburg in Germany, and Slupsk in Poland delved into Carlisle’s political history with a tour of the civic centre.

Whilst there, they got to hold the ceremonial sword and mace which is used for civic duties in the city.

Marilyn Bowman, mayor of Carlisle, said: “They were greatly interested in the council chamber and really enjoyed that.

“It was most enjoyable and it’s good for the city as well that we have the Youth Exchange.

“It gives them the opportunity to see our culture and for our students to go there and sample a slightly different way of life.”

They also went to Laser Quest, visited museums and other tourist attractions, and enjoyed music workshops at the Old Fire Station while here.

Chris Darrall, an Inspira leader for the Youth Exchange, said: “Young people are getting a sense of what someone else’s lifestyle is like in a different city.

“That can only be good in terms of broadening young people’s minds and helping them to establish relationships with people who have

a different language to theirs.”

Next year, 10 young people from Carlisle will get to visit Flensburg.