LANGUAGE students at Stockton Sixth Form College will be joined by friends from Spain tomorrow.

A group of exchange students from the Lycee International, the college's twin in Aix-en-Provence, have just returned home after a ten-day visit, which included taking part in lessons and visiting landmarks around the area.

Tomorrow, a group of students from Avila, which hosted a visit last month by students from Stockton Sixth Form and Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, will arrive in Stockton for a ten-day visit.

The exchange trip, which has had financial backing from the British Council, involves students undertaking research on environmental issues in both countries.

The Spanish teenagers, who are from the Allonso de Madrigal College, will be taking a close look at the Teesmouth Field Centre at Seal Sands, and on a trip around Tioxide at Greatham. They will also visit Whitby and York.

Anita Hufton, head of modern languages at Stockton Sixth Form, said: "The exchange visits are of enormous benefit to young people who want to improve their language skills and experience living in another country.

"The visits are hugely enjoyable and of enormous educational benefit."