Ms Bonham Carter with visiting students at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School

ACTRESS Helena Bonham Carter met South African students at an Angel school last week at an emotional ceremony which marked the end of their trip to Britain.

The Sweeney Todd star was joined by Islington deputy mayor Councillor Una O’Halloran at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, which is part of an exchange programme with Ntafufu Senior Secondary School, in Eastern Cape.

The 11 South African students and three teachers arrived in the UK on February 15 for a nine-day visit.

The send-off consisted of performances, speeches, songs and reflections about the group’s time in the UK.

For the students the trip was the first time they have travelled outside Eastern Cape, let alone abroad.

Visiting student Lona Bandezi said: “It will be hard saying goodbye because we got so attached to each other. Being here has made me think hard about my future and career.

“The students here are very nice. I am thankful that I came here. I will work harder than before just to reach my dream. London is very inspiring.”

The trip was organised by Broaden Out Their Horizons, a charity of which Ms Bonham Carter is founding patron.