International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander learned how Bristol teenagers are benefiting from a link with a school in Uganda.

The cabinet minister visited St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School on Friday to hear about its work in a Global School Partnerships scheme.

Pupils gave a presentation on the ways they work with their twin school, the Ikoba School in Masindi.

The partnership's aim is to develop joint a curriculum on sustainability, for which pupils keep work in scrapbooks.

Alice Smart, 15, and Jenny Pinnell, 16, told Mr Alexander about redesigning the Ugandan school's uniform.

"It was made of polyester, which was cheap but hot and uncomfortable. We redesigned it using recycled materials so it was still cheap and cotton, which was cooler and was also fair trade," said Alice.

Mr Alexander said: "I was delighted to see for myself the creative work and enthusiasm the students are putting into this project."

This is the Bristol-Masindi link's second year, and two pupils and two teachers are going to Uganda in February.