A German educationalist – who has been bringing German student groups to Exmouth since 2001 – says that his latest trip to the town may be his last due to his advancing years.

Heinz Ohler, 82, from Heindenheim, first set up UK visits in the 1980s to help young Germans improve their language and cultural skills, and to teach them tolerance.

The trips are arranged with the Mountlands International English Language School in Rolle Street. Heinz handed over the organisational reins in 2013, but accompanies the students as a chaperone.

During the visits, students lay down flowers at Exmouth’s war memorial to show respect for those that died in the Second World War.

“Since it was Germany who started the war, our young generation should learn not to repeat such things,” said Heinz. “Therefore, it will help if we commemorate World War Two actions. You had many sacrifices and it was our fault. The youngsters should remember what happened and this should no longer happen in the world.”

His views were echoed by many students visiting on Saturday, who said that tolerance, dialogue and unification were key to world peace.