AN MP has endorsed a community youth project which has brought international recognition to a North-East city.

City of Durham MP Roberta Blackman Woods attended the 7th Most Education Youth World Exchange entitled Bridging East and West.

She presented awards, along with Durham County Council deputy chairman Cllr Mike Dixon.

They met 80 participants from across the globe and discussed the outcomes of their experiences.

The event, which attracted 80 participants to Durham, has become an annual celebration for youth collaboration – promoting the city and the wider North-East to a worldwide audience for future tourism.

Groups of young people from England, Germany, Finland, Kazakhstan, China and Russia spent an enriching eight days together.

The Youth Exchange project originated in 2009 and was specially designed to give the young people of the region a personal experience and the confidence to work in an international context, developing interpersonal and communicational skills.

The young people involved took responsibility for many aspects of the programme, such as being involved in sports activities, learning about different cultures, customs, peer mentoring and delivering a Youth Manifesto, which they created during their workshops and activities.

Dr Blackman-Woods said “I was really pleased to have had the opportunity to meet participants in the World Youth Exchange, talk to them about their experiences and present awards.

“This is a fantastic scheme, both for Durham and for the young people who take part in each year, and I’m glad to see it go from strength to strength.

Project leader and company chief executive Dr Lana Briton said: “Most Education strongly believes that encouraging young people to engage in debates is about giving them a voice, and helping them to understand and discuss problems and issues which are important to them and their families. Acquisition of these important skills will enhance the youngsters’ chances in life and stand them in good stead for the future.”

Most Education was the main sponsor of this exchange and is a non-profit organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities based in Durham City. All their work is linked to educational, youth and social welfare projects for the young people of County Durham.