AS Christmas approaches and peace seems far off, many of us wonder what we could do to foster understanding and tolerance among the people of the world. There is a contribution we could make on a very personal level.

I am hoping to find more friendly, hospitable people to join a local network of volunteer hosts offering invitations to international students.

At present there are more than 100 of us in Yorkshire, each offering one or two invitations a year, to a variety of appreciative and interesting guests from overseas studying at universities and colleges in the UK.

Many students hope to make contact with people and culture of this country, yet find it impossible to gain access to our way of life. Christmas and New Year can be especially difficult times when the university is almost empty.

Invitations are arranged through HOST, a well-established national charity backed by the British Council and the Foreign Office. I would be pleased to send an information pack to anyone interested in this worthwhile scheme. Contact me on 01609 772602 or visit our website www.hostuk.org.

Mabel Winson,

Voluntary Regional Organiser, HOST,

Penhill Court,

Romanby,

North Yorkshire.

Updated: 09:51 Saturday, November 03, 2001