The Latvian Ambassador to the UK, Eduards Stiprais, has visited Richmond College to open an exhibition on the history of Latvia.

The exhibition, titled Latvia Returns to Europe, was donated to the college for two weeks by the Latvian National Council in Great Britain and showed the country’s push for freedom and independence after WW1.

As part of Mr Stiprais’ vist in March he gave an informative 30 minute talk to history students covering a range of topics including the impact of war on his country, the importance of singing in Latvian culture and the country’s success in the timber trade.

Speaking at the event he said: “The UK has become a melting pot of European nationalities over the years and it’s likely that many of the students here today have friends with northern and eastern European heritage. Sharing and enjoying the cultural history of countries like Latvia will hopefully help people appreciate the many positives of a united Europe.”