YOUNGSTERS from Germany were given a warm welcome as they visited one of the area's oldest and best-known landmarks yesterday.

About 40 youngsters from Bad Oeynhausen were treated to a reception at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, as part of a week-long visit.

The German town, close to the River Weser, near Porta Westfalica, has been twinned with the district for almost 30 years and the youngsters are staying with local families until Tuesday.

Several trips are planned, including to Haverthwaite Steam Railway, Harperley Prisoner of War Camp, and Winter Gardens, in Sunderland. Yesterday evening they travelled to Alston and Hexham, before the reception at the castle.