MORE THAN 80 children from Witton-le-Wear Primary School took part in the burial of a time capsule at a new housing development.

Pupils from the school, aged between four and 11, each put an item into it which was buried in a 4ft hole at the Paddock Development, off Cemetery Road, in Witton-le Wear.

Objects inside the capsule included current newspapers, books, toys, photographs, school brochures and digital footage of the children at school. Victoria Armstrong, 11, said: "I think it's a really exciting idea. I put a letter inside telling the people in the future all about what is going on today."

Mark Stephenson, head of Witton-le-Wear Primary School said: "We have been organising this project for a month now and it is a great way to teach children about our history and chronology.

"The children have put educational and personal items in the capsule.

Developers Dere Street dug the hole for the capsule.

Construction director Geoff Woods said: "We have enjoyed forming relationships with the school.

"I think it's a great idea to inform people in the future about issues today."