STUDENTS in Hexham waded into the debate over Europe during a ministerial visit last week.

Tourism minister David Evennett met youngsters at Northumberland College’s Hexham Campus last Thursday.

Mr Evennett believes leaving the European Union would be a disaster for Tynedale, with many visitors to the district’s attractions travelling from the continent.

During his visit, Mr Evennett also visited a number of sites along Hadrian’s Wall, including Housesteads Roman Fort near Haydon Bridge, and witnessed construction work at the new Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, at Once Brewed, near Bardon Mill.

He also met representatives of local sports clubs and other community members at Hexham Auction Mart.

Mr Evennett said: “I believe it is vital that we stay in the EU. For the sake of jobs and the economy it is very important.

“A large number of tourists come from across Europe and we want to encourage them to keep coming here, and to feel welcome visiting Britain.

“We have great cities, wonderful historic towns such as Hexham, and this area has so many popular attractions.”

With The Sill set to attract 100,000 visitors to the area when it opens in the summer of 2017, Mr Evennett said tourism will provide jobs for future generations of local people.

Northumberland College is developing a rural tourism academy for young people interested in careers in the industry.

Mr Evennett met youngsters studying travel and tourism at the college’s Hexham campus, in St Mary’s Wynd.

Teenagers spoke of their willingness to become holiday reps, cabin crew members or to take on roles in travel management.

One of the students said: “There is such a wide range of opportunities in tourism, both locally and also in terms of travel.

“I think Britain should remain as part of Europe to continue many of the good links which are already in place.”

Northumberland College principal Marcus Clinton said: “We already have our own tourist attraction with the zoological gardens at Kirkley Hall.

“We are looking to develop a rural tourism academy and help to provide the workforce of the future in this field.”

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman said: “It’s fantastic to have the minister of tourism here supporting Tynedale and the North-East as a whole, meeting tourism ambassadors and students, and finding out more about what this area has to offer.

“Tourism is one of the reasons why I believe we are better as part of a strong European Union.”