CHILDREN got a taste of what life was like in the Second World War as part of a family learning project, in February 2004.

The 22 children, aged three to 14, from Cockfield School, County Durham, and 16 adults, dressed in wartime costumes, sampled 1940s dishes and learned a Glenn Miller dance.

The Connect Family Learning Project aimed to bridge the gap between the generations, and the children chose the Second World War theme after they were told how children in the 1940s played war games on Cockfield Fell.

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The project culminated in a video directed, filmed and edited by the children and their parents.

Kathleen Teasdale, mother of nine-year-old Ruth, said: “I think it’s been really good fun and interesting for the children to see how life was during the war by taking part in costume, food and drama scenes.

“It’s been nice to have such a supportive group of parents. We’ve really bonded.”

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A teenager taught her two dogs a few tricks that she hoped would bring them success at the Crufts dog show, in 2004.

Joanne Irving, 14, of Dale Road, Sadberge, near Darlington, trained her black labrador Holly and yellow labrador Fern to be masters of the agility course.

They qualified for the fourth year running to compete in a number of junior events at the country’s biggest dog show, Crufts.

These include three agility classes, two triathlons, an obedience class and a flyball event, which involved the dogs competing in a relay to collect balls.

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“I’m really hoping we are successful, both dogs have been doing well in practice, “ said Joanne.

“It is good fun going to the show but it can be tiring and stressful for Fern and Holly.”

Both dogs were brought into the house as pets, but Joanne decided to develop their skills at the dog training centre, Canine Pursuits, in Sadberge.