YOUNGSTERS in Durham are getting a lesson in hygiene, thanks to the dramatic efforts of sixth-formers.

Students at Durham High School for Girls are taking their production, Germerella, to 12 primary schools across the district.

For the third year running, the girls have helped Durham City Council's environmental health section promote hygiene during National Food Safety Week by writing and performing a pantomime-style show to present to five to 11-year-olds.

The theme of Germerella is that youngsters should always wash their hands before handling or eating food to prevent catching germs.

Durham's Mayor John Lightley saw the show.

A council spokesman said the initiative linked in with a poster competition run for the city's junior schools.

"We hope that the message will get through to the kids and they will take it home with them and will get into the habit of washing their hands before dinner.''