MORE families are needed to host young people from Hildesheim who are planning on visiting Weston in March.

The Youth Exchange between Weston and the German town has been in place since 1968.

Since then, young people have been taking part in an organised programme of events, designed to encourage them to experience a difficult culture and place.

Due to the Covid pandemic, there has been no exchange since 2019.

Next month, however, young people from Hildesheim will be visiting England from March 14 until March 28.

During the programme, those taking part in the exchange will be in the coastal town for 10 of the 14 nights.

The exchange will pay £150 per young person for the 10 nights accommodation required whilst they are here.

Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, mayor of Weston, explains the importance of the exchange: "The youth exchange started in 1968, through a chance meeting between a youth worker from Weston and a youth officer from Hildesheim, in a motorway service station.

"The first youth group visited Weston in 1970, which proudly contributed to the twinning of both towns in 1983.

"Since the start of the youth exchange, over 1600 people have taken part, encouraging a wonderful partnership between both countries. Many have developed lifelong friendships, with exchange visits going in both directions over the years.

"Sadly, the global Covid pandemic meant that the exchanges had to be put on hold, and it has been four years since Weston last welcomed young visitors from Hildesheim.

"2024 marks the first youth exchange since 2020, and we are hoping it will be just the start of a long line of new friendships and cross-Channel visits.

"To this end, the Youth Exchange programme is looking for new families to host one (or even two) young people from Hildesheim during this year’s exchange. 

"Host families will not need to know any German, as the youngsters will have a good level of English.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for any young person between the ages of 12 and 17, to meet someone of a comparable age from another country, to learn a different language, experience a different culture, and have a fantastic time.

"For further information, please contact Beth Barham on 0772 535 4151 or email partridgebazaar@gmail.com."