A GERMAN youth exchange scheme, which has been running in Chatteris for almost 30 years, may have to cancel this April s visit by German families because not enough host families can be found. Chatteris St Hubert Youth Exchange – the longest running yout

A GERMAN youth exchange scheme, which has been running in Chatteris for almost 30 years, may have to cancel this April's visit by German families because not enough host families can be found.

Chatteris' St Hubert Youth Exchange - the longest running youth organisation in town - has called an extraordinary general meeting for next Thursday in a last ditch bid to find 27 willing families.

Secretary Anne Hay said: "We have 21 boys, 12 girls and 12 adults booked to come from St Hubert and visit Chatteris from April 8 to April 15.

"That's a total of 45 people and so far we only have places for 18. We are 27 places short."

Her husband Andrew, the scheme's chairman, said: "In 2004 the dedicated few rallied round to provide beds for far too many people in their homes, simply because we didn't want to let our German friends down.

"But we cannot ask them to do that again - it isn't fair.

"We have reached the serious situation where, if we can't attract any more people, we shall have to disappoint our German friends and cancel this year's visit.

"It is such a shame because we always have plenty of support for the trips out to Germany."

Hundreds of young people aged 11 to 16 have travelled to Germany with the scheme-which has been running since 1977, with groups visiting each other on alternate years.

Throughout the week-long visits, there are daily activities such as sports, trips to seaside resorts and stately homes and barbecues.

Thursday's meeting will start at 7.30pm at Chatteris Town Football Club.

CONTACT: Andrew and Anne Hay on 01354 694265.