MORE than a thousand pupils, parents and school staff will be encouraged to discover their artistic talents next week.

Pupils at 12 schools will take part in a Big Draw event during Family Learning Week, starting on Monday.

A professional artist will help get the children, parents and staff drawing on themes including hands and feet, sound and colour, dreams, India and life under the sea.

The schools taking part are Glendene, Framwellgate Moor Primary, Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, Shotton Hall Infant, Shotton Hall Junior, The Grove Primary, Delves Lane Junior, Wolsingham Primary, Timothy Hackworth Primary, Woodhouse Close Infant and Nursery, Crook Nursery and Ushaw Moor Infant.

"Family Learning Week encourages thousands of families to have fun and learn together,'' said June Davison, family learning co-ordinator for the County Durham Family Learning Partnership.

"Many schools use Family Learning Week to strengthen relationships between teachers and parents, including take your family to school days which are ideal opportunities for encouraging family members who may not normally get involved.''

Further information is available from www. family-learning.org.uk