Torbay is one of the country's most popular language destinations

Students from across the world come to Torbay to learn English, one of the most popular language destinations in the country.

But currently there is no requirement for host families, who accommodate the students, to be police checked.

It is thought to be the only area of childcare not covered by the law.

'Too expensive'

Lib Dem MP for Adrian Saunders said: "It only requires one host family to get through the loophole and we will have a major incident which won't just reverberate in this country but overseas too.

Ch Insp Carl Langley from Devon and Cornwall Police said while most hosts were responsible and caring, some could be unsuitable.

But some of the language school owners believe the criminal records checks are too expensive and say they carry out thorough vetting themselves.

Chris Thorndyke, from St Hilary School of English said: "Police authorities must be very, very involved in informing us about possible rogue families who may be on their records.

"Could they inform us instead of us asking them?"

Police in Torbay are investigating whether they can do their own checks for the schools, at a much reduced cost.

It currently costs �36 to check each adult in a household.