PRIMARY school teachers say they would struggle with Government plans to teach children foreign languages.

It comes after the county's primary schools were selected to pilot a new scheme to get seven to 11-year-olds to learn French, German and Spanish.

But teachers are trying to work out how to find staff to cover the plans. Some are even calling on Preston's university for help and considering using students as a cheaper alternative.

Catherine Woodall, headteacher at Ashton Primary School, said: "Something like that needs a lot of support. Because of police clearance you cannot just bring staff in from anywhere but possibly the university or colleges may have people who can do that sort of thing.

"Ideally I would bring a language teacher in and pay for them, but because we have no money we can't do that. As a head I always worry that the Government is bringing initiatives and there is no money to pay for them."

Lancashire is one of just 19 local education authorities -- out of 150 -- to pilot the none compulsory scheme.

Howick C of E Primary has been teaching French since September. Teacher Bronwen Bracegirdle said: "I think it's a wonderful idea for people who are experts in the language to come."

University lecturers were unavailable to comment but one student from France, said: "It sounds like a good idea and would add an extra dimension to our studies here in Preston."

A county council spokesman said: "Across Lancashire, we aim to involve 50 schools and we anticipate that schools in the Preston area will agree to take part."