A BISHOP Auckland youth theatre group has received a cheque from County Durham's European exchange partners.

Groups from the county's twin areas of Kreis Wesel, in Germany, and JaszNagykun-Szolnok, in Hungary, are in the county for four days visiting various locations to see how cultural services are provided.

They visited the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, a group for nine to 18-year-olds based at King James I Community College.

The drama group, which formed 11 years ago, focuses on community issues such as violence, teenage pregnancy and racism.

This is the third year that the Kreis Wesel delegation has presented a cash gift to a community group.

Gerhard Patzelt, a spokesman for the delegation, said: "It is our pleasure to help out a local community group, we have been given a great insight into the success of this theatre group."

Adam May, 17, a member of the Theatre Hooligans, said: "We're really pleased to get our work recognised."