COUNTY Durham teenagers are being offered the chance to see how their counterparts in Europe live.

Young people aged 14 to 18 can sample life in France or Germany on two exchange visits being organised by Durham County Council next year.

"An exchange visit is a great way to get to know a different country,'' said Brian Stobie, the council's international officer.

"Young people live with a family, make new friends, experience everyday life and can practise their language all day, every day,'' he said.

The exchange with the Department of the Somme, in France, takes place next July and will cost £125.

The French group will visit the county from July 6 to 16, then return to France via London with their County Durham hosts, who will stay in France until July 27.

The exchange with Tbingen, in Germany, is in two parts and costs £150.

The German group will visit the county over Easter and the County Durham youngsters will visit Tbingen from July 13 to 23.

Young people who want to take part in either exchange can contact their school, the council's international office on 0191-383 3631 or e-mail internationalation service was controlled by legis