FIVE social and health care staff from Romania are visiting Richmondshire.

The party, including social workers, a nurse, a doctor and the director of social services, will observe the area's community care until the end of the week.

Their tour includes visits to residential care homes, services for people with special needs and the meals on wheels service.

County council executive member for social services, Councillor Murray Naylor, said: "This is a fact- finding visit and the learning gained will be used to assist in the development of more modern health and social care services in a rapidly developing country.