MEXICAN teenager Jesus Alarcon didn't know what to expect when he first came to Preston a year ago.

But now the 17-year-old student loves it so much he wants to stay - and enjoy more of his favourite cuisine!

Jesus who's at Hutton Grammar School, explained: "I had no idea what was the typical British food, but now I know - it's steak and kidney pudding!

"I love them, although they're nothing like the food in Mexico."

Jesus, who wants to be an engineer, is staying in Penwortham thanks to the EF Foundation, a charity which finds homes for foreign students.

Jesus added: "This year has been a big step but there have been some good things. I've made lots of friends - and my parents are not here to check up on me!"

Another student who doesn't want to leave is Cecile Gennevieve who has been studying at Runshaw College in Leyland.

The 18-year-old French girl is going to university in France and eventually hopes to return to England to teach. She said: "I like it very much here. In fact I've not really missed the people back home."

Malcolm Hordern from the EF Foundation said: "I'm really glad they've enjoyed it and that I've been able to help."

Mr Hordern appealed to anyone willing to give a student a place in their home next year to contact him on 626343.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.