A LINGUISTIC "survival kit" study course for holidaymakers is being held at Darlington College of Technology.

The ten-week basic foreign language courses are designed to help people feel confident enough to do basic things such as ask for directions or understand a foreign menu.

More than 140 students of all ages enrolled on the present courses, which started in March.

The feedback has been so positive that the college has decided to hold another programme of courses in French, Spanish, German and Italian.

Italian lecturer Germinia Imbrescia said: "The courses are designed to be simple and to give people taking them the confidence to tackle foreign communication while on holiday.

"We have been impressed by the commitment of local people to learn the essentials of a foreign language, to help them enjoy their next holiday abroad."