AN urgent appeal has been made for accommodation for a group of foreign students who will have nowhere to stay when they arrive in the region.

International charity AFS UK is looking for volunteers to house four Brazilian teenagers, who will arrive next month.

They have been left without host families after last-minute cancellations.

AFS national director Wendy Soutar-Taylor said: "This is the time of year that people start to move house and change jobs, so their circumstances can change quite quickly.

"Unfortunately, this impacts on the commitment that they have made to host our youngsters. As a result, we are left with some very gifted and interesting students who no longer have a host family for their time in the UK."

Families in Darlington, Gateshead, Newcastle and Stockton are needed to welcome AFS students into their homes

Ms Soutar-Taylor said: "I know that the North-East has a lot to offer to youngsters, which will allow them to get a wonderful experience of life in the UK.

"I am hoping that people will see the benefit of learning about another culture from within through hosting one of these students."

The four are aged 16 and 17.

AFS is also expecting three students from Argentina next month.

The charity provides intercultural learning opportunitied. It was established by ambulance drivers and has run student programmes since 1947.

To help, call (0113) 242 6136