DUTCH students on an exchange trip to the region have enjoyed a taste of North-East beach life.

The youngsters, from Rotterdam's Grafisch Lyceum, made sand sculptures on the Tyneside coast. It was part of a programme of events designed to give them experience of life as a student at Newcastle College.

Regan Hamilton, an HND photography student at Newcastle, said: "I think students have found this week beneficial and the trip to Holland gives us something to look forward to.

"It will be great to sample the culture of Rotterdam and learn about the different ways they learn over there."

The trip is the first leg in an exchange between the graphic design departments at the two learning centres. The Newcastle students will make a three-week visit to Holland in May.

The Dutch students also visited Holy Island, the Gateshead MetroCentre and the Baltic arts centre. They also enjoyed English cuisine - fish and chips from the Fish Quay in North Shields.

Dutch student Syarina van der Mast found there were big differences in the way staff teach.

She said: "At Newcastle College, the style of teaching is friendly and staff look after you really well.

"In Holland, we have a more formal timetable. Both sets of students have got on very well and it will be good to see each other again in May."