THERE are almost as many foreign voices as English ones to be heard in the corridors of a Darlington school.

Hummersknott Comprehensive School has been designated a language college by the Government.

It has received over £150,000 to spend on extra staff and most are now in place.

They include French teacher Stephanie Puissegur, French assistant Jean Royannez, Spanish assistant Maria Gonzalez and German assistant Christina Krause.

The foreign members of staff, who will be joined by a Japanese teacher next week, complement an extended language department, which is run by director of languages Suzanne Powner.

Mrs Powner said: "This is a really exciting time for the college and being granted language college status has meant our jobs have completely changed.

"We have to be visionary about teaching foreign languages and now have to go further than just GCSEs and A-levels by providing a service to the entire community."

As well as improving the pupils' languages skills, the school will also be giving primary school children the chance to learn the rudiments of a modern language and offering adults the opportunity to go to evening classes.

One of the first big events organised by the school takes place next Thursday, when gifted youngsters from across Darlington will take part in a languages day.

This will involve eight year ten pupils being sent into the town for a listening trail, which will involve them listening to a tape guiding them around Darlington and answering questions in French and German. They will then be sent on an information search, visiting stores and businesses,and carrying out task in the languages.