HOST families are needed in east Cleveland for visitors from its German twin town.

A twinning link with Troisdorf, between Bonn and Cologne, was established in 1990 and each year up to 50 people enjoy visits.

"Many of the visitors come to see us every year or so and stay with their regular friends," said Kim Arnold, hospitality organiser for the Redcar and Cleveland Twinning Association.

"This year we have a number of visitors coming for the first time, including members of the German town's darts' club."

Host families provide bed, breakfast and evening meals for their guests.

Forty-five visitors from Troisdorf will arrive in east Cleveland on Sunday, September 7, and will leave the following Saturday.

Hosts and guests will spend the Monday together.

In the evening there will be a classic car rally at Kirkleatham, near Redcar.

There will also be outings to Bowes Museum, Pickering and York during the week and hosts can travel free with their German guests.

A hosts' meeting will take place at Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Guisborough, on Tuesday, at 7pm.

For further information contact Mrs Arnold on (01287) 638367, or chairman Peter Sotheran on (01642) 471662.