Other News In Brief

Campaign Calls For Reintroduction Of Foreign Exchange Trips

The British Council has launched a campaign to encourage schools to revive the tradition of the overseas exchange trip for pupils.

Launched during International Education Week, the council said that the once-common trips encouraged young people to study foreign languages and that the campaign hopes to "address a lack of international skills identified by UK businesses."

Vicky Gough, Schools Adviser at the British Council, said: "For many of us, that first school exchange trip was a real 'light bulb moment' that got us excited about learning a language and understanding another culture. It's a shame that these exchanges have fallen victim to things like safety concerns – which can actually be easily remedied with the right steps. As we seek to tackle a national language crisis and a lack of international skills among young people entering the world of work, reviving school exchanges is vital – and we'll do everything we can to help schools make this possible."

Arrests Made In Beaten And Burnt Teen Investigation

Police investigating a suspected attack on 16-year-old boy who was found beaten and burnt wandering near the A198 in North Tyneside, have made two arrests.

The victim was found with a fractured cheekbone, facial injuries and burns to his body.

A 17-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm. And a 13-year-old has been arrested and bailed, according to police.

M47 Northbound Closed Following Fatal Crash

The M74 Northbound is closed following a fatal road accident, police have reported.

Police said that a 60-year-old man has died in a crash between a car and a van on the northbound carriageway between Larkhall and Hamilton.

The motorway is currently closed to all northbound traffic between J8 and J6.

Local diversions are in place and officers are still on the scene. It is unclear when the motorway will reopen.

(MH/CD)