GERMAN youngsters are visiting Darlington this week as part of an unusual exchange.

It is thought the job shadowing visit involving seven 15 and 16-year-old pupils could be the first of its kind involving students younger than sixth form age.

The seven, from Alpen, in Germany, are staying with families of Hummersknott School and Language College pupils.

Suzanne Powner, director of the language college, said: "I don't know of any other school in this country that does this sort of thing with pupils of this age. It's quite revolutionary."

The students are spending time with a number of employers across the borough, including Elm Ridge Flowers, Carmel RC Technology College, Alderman Leach School, Nattrass Flowers, Age Concern, All Saints Church, Redworth Hall Hotel, Darlington Borough Council and Darlington College of Technology.

They have been joined by their headteacher, Hans Peter Becker, and English teacher Angela Peppinghaus.