A MULTI-LINGUAL councillor is urging the towns schools to apply for grants for a cultural day.

Borough councillor Cyndi Hughes is calling on Darlington's schools, college and youth groups to apply for grants to celebrate the European Day of Languages in September.

Grants of up to £50 are available for events to raise the profile of foreign languages, celebrate different cultures, challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives.

Coun Hughes: "Language learning is vital to our participation in the global economy. It can also be extremely fun.

"I hope Darlington schools, colleges and youth groups will take up these grants to celebrate the best of what language learning has to offer our young people."

Applications must be made by July 10, 2009 to europe.direct@durham.gov.uk.