A GROUP of Darlington students have returned from Poland, where they have been working with disadvantaged families.

The group of six students from colleges in the town spent a month working at a children's home and a women's refuge near Warsaw.

The 18-year-old girls helped families decorate their rooms and played with the children, as well as helping Polish volunteers with daily chores.

They also took pencils, pens and crayons to give to the children and volunteers. The trip was organised and funded by the Prince's Trust and Darlington Borough Council's Community Education Service.

Keith Dillon, of the education service, said the visit had been demanding for the girls, who are working towards a City and Guilds certificate.

He said: "We felt that if they wanted to gain their qualification in this type of work, then it would be better for them to go out and get some hands-on experience."