Nine pupils from years nine to 11, along with two teachers, visited Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School in Uganda to introduce and coach tag rugby to disadvantaged children.

The pupils – all specially trained sports leaders – coached teams from local primary schools before organising a tournament which attracted more than 2,000 spectators.

PE teacher Lindsay Anfield said: “The tournament was a massive success.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the festival and it was amazing to see the children playing a sport they had never heard of three days previously and to such a high standard.”

After a hectic week filled with tag rugby, the students travelled to a Ugandan safari park – where they crossed paths African wildlife including hippos and lions – before finishing their tour with a tag rugby match against an orphanage school at an army base in Kampala.

Ms Anfield said: “This was our first taste of the reality of Africa. Most of the pupils we saw didn’t have any shoes, looked undernourished with tattered clothes, and were thrilled by even a handshake or a smile from us.

“The journey back to our hostel was a quiet one, with everyone reflecting on what they had seen and appreciating the lifestyle they would be returning back to.

“The tour was an experience both pupils and teachers will never forget and I would like to thank all the individuals and businesses who supported us. We could’t have done it without their generosity.”