STUDENTS from a different Durham university have been helping out charities.

Six students from Duke University, in Durham, US, have spent four weeks in the North-East as part of a civic engagement programme.

Among them were Harry Han and Sean Cho, who were based at Changing Lives, in Chester-le-Street, and Alex Heap, who spent time at the Waddington Street Centre, an independent mental health resource centre in Durham.

He said: “Most Americans think of the British as posh, proper and somewhat uptight people. This is not true of Northern England.

“The people of Durham are straight-talking, strong-willed, and very warm-hearted.”

Kevin Lu and Joyce Zhou supported Durham University’s adult outreach with hard-to-reach groups and helped to run a children’s summer camp while Alice Liao undertook research with the university’s international office.

Duke students have been visiting the city for six years through a partnership with Durham University.

Pro-vice chancellor Owen Adams said: “Our support for the DukeEngage programme shows how Durham being a global university with a world-class reputation has real benefits locally.

“It has been a pleasure having Duke students to Durham and we look forward to welcoming more in summer 2019.”

Neil Hoefs, Coordinator of DukeEngage Durham 2018, said: “Part of DukeEngage’s mission is to empower students to address critical human needs. This summer, our Duke students had the opportunity to partner with organisations that are truly making a difference in Durham, North Carolina, and our sister city of Durham, UK.”