A GROUP of students from Lithuania are spending a week polishing their language skills and teaching youngsters about their culture.

Sigita Tamasiunaite, Rasa Jurgaityte and Algirdas Javtokas are students at the University of Siauliai, in the eastern European country, and are spending the week in England thanks to funding from the Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club.

Rasa, a third year economics student, is spending the week in the languages department of Laurence Jackson School, in Guisborough. Algirdas, a third year physics student, will be working in Sotheron's, in Redcar, and Sigita, a second year English language student, is helping out at Northgate Junior School, Guisborough.

Yesterday, Sigita became involved in events taking place at the school for National Children's Art Day.

She was joined by students from Laurence Jackson School and Prior Pursglove College, who had come along to lend their support.

The school was engaged in events that included drawing chalk pictures on the playground and making wicker sculptures. A stage designer came in to work with older pupils.

Sigita said she has enjoyed her visit to Guisborough and has been mesmerised by the Cleveland Hills.

"I am amazed by the surroundings and I am fascinated by the hills - our biggest hill is only 294 metres," she said.

"The children are lovely, and ask lots of questions, and that is great because they are interested in many things I am telling them about my country, and showing them pictures. All the English people are very kind."