NINE teachers from Sweden, Germany, Italy and Turkey are in Teesside this week as part of a European schools project.

Catcote Academy, in Hartlepool, is hosting the teachers for a week as part of the Erasmus plus scheme.

Barry Currell, a teacher at Catcote, got funding for a three-year scheme to give Hartlepool students the chance to visit each of the partner countries and learn from European counterparts.

Alan Chapman, Headteacher of Catcote Academy, said: “Our visitors been blown away with what they have seen already in Hartlepool and there is still much for them to see."

Hartlepool Mayor Councillor Mary Fleet, welcomed the guests at a reception at Hartlepool's Civic Centre and said: “We are very proud of our town and I sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay here and find it rewarding.

“The Erasmus Plus project is a great idea where schools learn from one another and ensure that young people are given the right skills and confidence to succeed in life.”

Schools involve learn from each other and share ideas as well as students visiting and experiencing the culture of other countries in Europe.

The five country partnership involves schools who cater for children and young people with disabilities along with mainstream schools.