Pupils try latest technology to make contact with friends hit by tragedy

YORKSHIRE pupils linked with an annual exchange with a Japanese school just 30 miles away from the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant, have been using social media to try desperately to get updates from their friends.

Youngsters at Rossett School in Harrogate, which has been linked with Ishigami Junior High School in Haramachi, for the past 20 years , have resorted to Facebook and instant messenger software to get information from their friends in Japan as all other forms of contact between the schools are impossible.

Teachers at Rossett say students have been keeping staff updated as they have not been able to contact the school.

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Head teacher Mrs Pat Hunter, said: “The students have been very scared and keen to find out more.

“We are trying to email and get current information but contact with the school directly is very difficult.

“Our pupils have been relieved to be able to talk to some of their friends on Facebook and make sure that they are OK.

“Our exchange programme with the Japanese school has been running for 20 years so strong relationships have been forged during that time.”

Fukushima was badly damaged by Friday’s quake and tsunami.