YOUNGSTERS from County Durham will be quizzing members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week.

The 32 sixth formers will be taking part in Euroscola and have the chance to participate in multinational debates, as well as put questions to representatives of the Commission and European Parliament.

The pupils, who set off on the trip today, will stay in a youth hostel in Strasbourg before their return on Friday.

Brian Stobie, Durham County Council's international officer, said: "It is something that we are quite lucky to get the chance to do. The students gain two major things. One is the opportunity to meet other young people from European member states and practise their language skills. The second is gaining a much better insight into the European democratic process and how they can make their point of view known."

Schools taking part include Spennymoor Comprehensive; King James I Community College, Bishop Auckland; Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe and Wolsingham Community College.