FEARSOME robots created by North-East school children were sent into battle today (Friday, February 21).

Nine school teams helped design and build the fighting machines for the Robots Live spectacle.

The live show, a spin-off of TV hit Robot Wars, began at Palace Green, Durham City, today and continues over the weekend.

The teams came from Browney Primary School, St Hild’s College CE Primary School, St Oswald’s CE Infant School, St Leonard’s Catholic School (two teams) and Framwellgate School Durham (four teams), all in or around Durham City.

Each team was given £500 to create its robot, plus help from Durham University experts.

Durham University Library learning officer Ross Wilkinson said: “It’s been fantastic to get out into local schools and talk to them about robotics.

“By building their own machines, the children have had the chance to experience mechanical engineering in a really hands-on way.”

Robots Live performances will take place tomorrow at 10am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm; and on Sunday at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Entry costs £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for children and concessions and £25 for families of two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

Tickets are available from Palace Green Library, by calling 0191-332-2932 or online at ticketmaster.co.uk

The library is currently hosting a Robot exhibition, which runs until April 27. For further details, visit durham.ac.uk/palace.green