More health workers from South Africa could soon be working in the NHS following a new agreement reached between the British and South African governments.

Under the deal, doctors and nurses would travel to the UK to work in the health service on projects with an educational basis, after which they would return to their original posts in South Africa.

Likewise, NHS staff will be given the opportunity to work in South Africa under a scheme already being piloted.

Objections have been raised by some countries at Britain's attempts to recruit health staff from around the world.

Health minister John Hutton said he was "delighted" to sign the memorandum.

"We are fully committed to working in partnership with countries such as South Africa, and I welcome opportunities such as this to share skills and best practice experience," he said.

"This memorandum is very much a two-way arrangement, and I am sure that NHS staff will draw huge benefits from their experiences working in South African healthcare practices, where they will learn skills that can be put into use back in this country."