STUDENTS from seven countries across the globe are improving their English on Teesside.

Cameroon, Taiwan, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, China, Afghanistan and Japan are represented by a group of eight students studying in the area. They have been living in the North-East for varying lengths of time, from four weeks to 13 years, and each has been taken under the wing of the Adult Education Service of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which is helping them to learn English.

For some, the task has been more difficult as they did not speak a word of the language on their arrival.

Christabell Gerard Marjella, 40, from Sri Lanka, said: "I have been coming to the education service twice a week to help improve my English. I think the facilities are excellent, and I've already achieved a Pitman certificate for listening and writing English."

For 25-year-old Lulzim Kapaj, of Kosovo, one of the area's main attractions is Redcar's seaside aspect.

"I love the seafront at Redcar and especially the ice creams," he said.

Pam Eccles, executive director of the Tees Valley Learning and Skills Council, said: "Anyone who has been abroad on holiday and cannot speak or understand the language knows how frustrating it can be. It is critical that we combat the disadvantages that some learners and potential learners face, such as those whose first language is not English."