FUNDRAISERS are needed to help boost a £6,000 project to bring two Russian cosmonauts to Teesside in October for a series of educational visits to schools and colleges.

The Out of this World 2003 project is being jointly organised by Stockton Sixth Form College, Prior Pursglove Sixth Form College at Guisborough, Bede College in Billingham and Castle Eden Walkway at Thorpe Thewles.

Dr David Dodds, head of physics at Stockton Sixth Form, said: "We had a visit five years ago from two leading Russian cosmonauts which was hugely inspiring.

"It made a lasting impression on the students and staff alike, and that is why we want to repeat the experience."

This year's guests are Alexandre Martynov, former head of the Ballistics department at the Russian Space Control Centre and Alexandre Alexandrov who has flown on Salyut and Mir and now co-ordinates crews to the International Space Station which orbits the earth.

Anyone who wants help with fundraising can contact Stockton Sixth Form on (01642) 612611.