A PIONEERING scheme in north-west Durham to boost young people's involvement in local government could be reproduced in Germany.

Visitors from Werdohl, in the Saar region of Germany, have learned about Derwentside District Council's Spice project during an exchange trip to Consett.

The guests saw a presentation on the authority's Special Project to Implement Children's Elections, and took back details to their home town.

The project involved youngsters electing their peers to a forum that will shadow the council proper.

The elected body has its own budget and is working towards providing two skate parks for the district.

The Werdohl group was impressed with the project and aims to introduce it back home.

Along with learning about the Spice project, the group visited regional landmarks and attractions, including Preston Park and Butterfly World, St Mary's Lighthouse, Tynemouth Priory, the Roman fort of Segedunum and York Minster.

They also visited the Glass Gallery, in Consett, and enjoyed an evening of entertainment by the Karen Stewart Dance and Performing Arts Academy and Consett Junior Brass.

The exchange trips, organised by Derwentside Friendship Club, are in their 28th year. They recently won funding from Derwentside District Council and the European Commission, for the sixth time.