DARLINGTON College has welcomed 25 German apprentices as part of an exchange programme.

The students from Darlington’s twin town Mulheim will spend three weeks in the college and on work placements at local engineering firms.

Next year, a group of engineering students from Darlington will make their way to Mulheim for a return visit.

The German students are all aged between 18 and 23 and are apprentices at the Siemens site in Mulheim, and have work placements in companies such as 3M.

The visitors have already spent time in the mayor’s parlour with Darlington mayor Tom Nutt, had an extended tour of the college facilities and have trips planned to Whitby, Edinburgh and York.

College principal Kate Roe said the exchange programme was a fantastic opportunity for both sets of students.

She said: "We have spent about a year planning this visit, and many of the German students are visiting the UK for the first time. We are thrilled to be involved in the exchange and welcome the opportunity for our engineering students next year.

"These sort of exchange programmes are a valuable part of students’ education and we hope to build and expand this programme. So far, the German students have given us great feedback about the college and the town."

The students met with college teaching staff earlier this week and have spent time in the workshops.

They were joined by Kate Roe, Durham police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg and Cllr Nutt.