An annual youth exchange that includes youngsters from Carlisle, Poland and Germany is now underway and will finish with a spectacular fashion show.

Each year one of the cities – Carlisle, Slupsk (Poland) and Flensburg (Germany) - hosts the exchange and this year’s its Carlisle’s turn.

Around 30 young people aged between 14 and 19 years old are taking part in the ten-day exchange, which has been running for more than 30 years.

The exchange started on Sunday, 8 August and highlights include a fashion show in Carlisle Cathedral on Tuesday, 17 August, between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Young people from Carlisle and young participants from the Youth Exchange have been involved in the organisation of the youth exchange fashion show event since May. The group of young people are modelling designs from both high street and local shops, as well as University of Cumbria student designs).

There will also be a section for the youth exchange group to show case their own designs, which is being supported by the University of Cumbria.

The fashion show is the first to be held during an exchange in Carlisle and aims to celebrate the different cultures or each country as well as highlight the similarities between youth cultures across Europe.

Julianna Gallop, participant on the exchange said: 

"The youth exchange is an opportunity for us to meet other people and see other places. Through the exchanges I feel like I am more confident when meeting people, which will help me throughout my future and I would love to return to the exchange in the future to help out as a volunteer."

Other activities on the exchange have included mountain biking, working with ITV Fixers on a break dancing project, visiting Carlisle Castle, Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District.