CHILDREN sampled a taste of continental life yesterday.

Youngsters from Castleside Primary School, near Consett, had lessons to celebrate Europe Day. May 9 traditionally marks the day in 1950 when the European Union was conceived. That was when Robert Schuman, French foreign minister at the time, gave a speech that paved the way for the EU.

Pupils ate French bread, continental cheeses, olives and European sausages and learned foreign words, songs and nursery rhymes.

Headteacher Liz Charlton said: "The children have been enthusiastic about learning French and German words and the staff have enjoyed teaching them about Europe."