THIEVES have targeted a group of teenagers visiting the North-East to do volunteer work with children.

Youths in Stanley stole clothes and sleeping bags from a 19-year-old Polish student and an 18-year-old Spanish man. The items were taken from a washing line outside the youth centre in Tyne Road on Tuesday.

Margaret Harrison, one of the volunteers behind the project, said it was the first time that any of the students had been a victim of crime.

"It is not saying much for Stanley when they are prepared to come here and give up their time and money for us," she said.

The victims are part of a group spending a fortnight at the centre working with youngsters aged five to 12. The scheme, which offers summer entertainment for school-age children, has run for more than 30 years.

The foreign students give up their time for the project and even pay their own travel expenses.

The group had washed some clothes and hung them out to dry, but forgot to bring them in before nightfall.

A police spokesman said: "There was a group of youths seen running from the premises by the youth leaders and they are believed to be responsible.

"The matter has been reported to us and we are investigating."