GRADUATES are rising to the challenge to go east as part of a new scheme to take English to remote communities.

Sunderland University has launched the initiative to meet the growing demand for English teachers from universities and schools around the world.

In the first wave of the Sunderland Graduates Abroad project, nine former students will travel to China next month.

The graduates, who include Paul Sparks, from Sherburn Village , County Durham, and Craig Harrison and Julian Scott, from Chester-le-Street, will spend a year at universities and schools in lesser-known Chinese cities, where it is difficult to recruit English teachers. Their preparation has included a training course in teaching English and briefings on Chinese culture and language.

Neil Maynard, director of the University's Centre for International Education, said: "We are launching the scheme this year in China, but we hope that in future years we will be able to extend it to other areas, especially some of the developing countries in Africa."