CHILDREN from schools in Darlington helped bring together football, Brazilian samba rhythms and musical youth at Middlesbrough Football Club's Cellnet Riverside Stadium.

One of the football club's stars, Doriva, was among the audience yesterday as youngsters from Mount Pleasant Primary School, Beaumont Hill School, and Corporation Road Community School entertained the crowds.

Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool pupils also took part in the project to promote creativity and healthy living.

The 120 youngsters, aged between nine and 14, had spent the week attending sessions at Middlesbrough Football Community Centre in Eston, Middlesbrough, where they were taught soccer samba skills by professional football coaches.

They were also taught how to play Brazilian percussion instruments and how to dance to the rhythms of samba music.

The event was organised by Creative Partnerships in Tees Valley, a Government-funded programme to improve children's creativity.