TWO Russian teachers brushing up their English at Darlington college of technology cannot wait to get back home and change the text books.

Miss Marina Shevchenko, aged 38, and 41-year-old Mrs Elena Tolmacheva, leave summer school today after a two-week trip sponsored by Rotary International and the college to sharpen up their language skills.

But their trip has taught them much more than just how to speak better English.

Miss Schevchenko told the D and S Times: "Our Russian text books tell us that English people are very conservative and reserved but we have seen this is not true.

"English people are wonderfully warm and friendly, great fun and are great cooks. We can't wait to get back home and tell it like it really is."

Both women teach English to secondary schoolchildren in Kostroma and until they boarded the plane to come to England had never met despite living only a short distance from each other.

For the past two weeks they have stayed with D and S Times' music critic Mr Dave Robson and his wife, Mavis, and have toured the region enjoying good food and warm hospitality.

Mrs Tolmacheva, a teacher for 19 years, said: "Dave is a wonderful cook and the food in Britain is absolutely fantastic. The only trouble is there is always too much food on the plate for me.

"Everyone in Russia has a dream to visit Britain and we always get asked by our students if we have been.

"Now we can say yes. It is very important for us to see how British people live and to learn the traditions so we can pass it on.

"We have taken many pictures and we will use them to teach our students about this wonderful country."

The pair have absorbed every detail about English life and culture and have written everything down so they can weave it into coursework when they return.

Russian children are taught English every day in secondary schools and some parents even opt for private tuition from nursery school age.

"Our students know everything about British history and culture, added Mrs Tolmacheva. "English is the most popular foreign language and even grown-ups are taking lessons to help with their businesses.

"When we get home we will tell all our older students and adults about the excellent summer school in Darlington and urge them to try it."

Miss Shevchenko says the countryside and the warmth of the people have left a lasting impression on her.

"When you travel by car and you see all the green fields and the sheep it reminds me of all the Jane Austen books I have read. The landscape is absolutely amazing and English people are just great. We have had a wonderful visit here."