TEACHER Clare Jackson already thought having four sets of twins in her class was a little unusual.

That was, of course, until the recent arrival of four-year-olds Abbie and Melissa Stubbins.

But Miss Jackson reckons she will have no double-trouble telling all five sets apart.

"I thought four sets was unusual, but no one I have spoken to has had five sets of twins before.

"I just couldn't believe it when they said there were more twins joining us."

The arrival of Abbie and Melissa, from Medomsley, near Consett, County Durham, means that ten of the 25 pupils in the reception class at the village's Bishop Ian Ramsey Church of England Primary School, are twins.

Miss Jackson is able to distinguish who's who as only one set is identical and - fortunately for her - Megan Wayman, five, from Medomsley, wears glasses while her sister, Laura, does not.

"When they are older, they might start playing tricks at school by pretending to be each other, then it could be horrendous for teachers trying work out who is who," said the teacher.

However, she has been surprised by how similar many of the twins' are in matters other than appearance.

Amor and Anisha Sahota, aged five, from Ebchester, both used exactly the same shapes and colours to draw a kite - even though they completed them at different times.

And when it comes to careers, many of the twins also have identical ambitions.

Megan and Laura both want to become ice cream ladies, while Declon and Chantelle Watson, aged five and also from Medomsley, aim to join the police.

Helen Forbes, director of the Twins and Multiple Birth Association (Tamba), said: "There are cases of twin telepathy, but genuine cases are very rare.

"What is more likely is that young children who have been brought up in the same environment and have had similar home experiences, also have similar thoughts.

"But it is unusual to have that number of twins in the same class in a small school."

At least Joe and Neave Bousfield, aged five, from Medomsley, are already striking out as individuals. Joe wants to be a pilot and Neave a nurse.

"It is a wonderful experience teaching them because it is unique and they are a brilliant set of children," said Miss Jackson.

"They are very protective of each other and always make sure the other gets their turn at something. It is lovely that they look out for one another."