A STAR-spangled celebration took place yesterday to mark a link between a local school and their friends in the United States.

John F Kennedy Primary School, in Washington, Tyne and Wear, has twinned with Garfield Elementary School, in Washington DC.

Garfield Elementary celebrated the link-up yesterday with a US sports day at nearby Biddick Sports College.

The children tried their hand at basketball, joined by members of the American Eagles team, and encouraged by their own team of cheerleaders.

The link-up between the two schools comes as a result of a friendship agreement signed in June between the City of Sunderland and Washington DC, to boost economic and cultural links between the two cities.

Plans are being discussed for a group of children from Garfield Elementary to visit John F Kennedy School, and there will be regular video conference links between the two schools.

Teacher Gil Hanley said: "The children and staff at JFK are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be involved in this adoption programme, and are looking forward to being able to celebrate our social and cultural differences and similarities."

The schools link has been backed by Tacle Car Seating, which has a factory at Rainton Bridge, and has provided £500 to buy a camcorder so the children can record DVDs to send to their US friends.

Sunderland Council leader Councillor Bob Symonds said the friendship agreement had produced a number of tangible benefits.

He added: "Now we have one of our primary schools linking up with an American elementary school, with all the opportunities for the exchange of learning and ideas that that brings with it.

"I'm sure both schools will find it a really positive and rewarding experience and, hopefully, it's something we may be able to extend during the course of the five-year friendship agreement."