CHILDREN went to university to learn what to do if a hurricane ever hit the Tees Valley.

More than 60 pupils from St Hild's School, in Hartlepool, were at the University of Sunderland for a day of tasks and talks on the dangers of hurricanes.

Pupils took part in a simulation exercise, during which they had to build basic shelters for villagers hit by a hurricane.

They also found out how storms are forecast, the problems they create and how simple constructions could help in the aftermath.

Their abilities to provide water-resistant shelters were tested by having buckets of water thrown over them.

Only some of the pupils stayed dry.

Joanna Baxter, geography teacher at St Hild's, said: "The pupils were really enthusiastic and I was impressed by some of the shelters that were constructed.

"They learned a lot from the day. What made it more relevant was the fact that it came at a time when hurricanes are making all the headlines."