YOUNG people from 27 countries gathered in the region yesterday for the opening of the 45th European Youth Parliament.
More than 250 youngsters are staying in Durham City for the week, and on Friday and Saturday, in Newcastle, they will debate issues including child obesity, private health care and the war in Iraq.
Marcus Pollard, head organiser of the British European Youth Parliament, said: "Delegates have been impressed by what they have found.
"The reaction to Durham has been wow, the reaction to Kielder was wow. We can't wait for some more surprises.
"In the debates, resolutions are voted on and passed to the European Parliament.
"We cannot guarantee they will read them or take any action on them, but the most important thing is the whole process of debate.''
The Youth Parliament's president, 22-year-old student Turkuler Isiksel, from the Turkish capital of Istanbul, said: "It is a great place to be a guest.
"Wherever we have gone we have been received very well. The people have been very warm and hospitable. Durham is very beautiful.''
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