PUPILS took up pens, notepads and cameras to report on the achievements of their fellow students.

The year nine students from Branksome School, in Darlington, became roving reporters at an event organised by the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley to highlight the Increased Flexibility Programme.

The Shine event at the University of Durham's Queens Campus, in Stockton, featured projects that students across Tees Valley had been working on as part of their vocational GCSEs, which are part of the programme.

Demonstrations included motorised model cars built by engineering students and Indian head massages from health and social care students.

The reports on the programme will be displayed in schools across the Tees Valley to promote increased flexibility.

Francis Annett, education research manager for the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, said: "Increased flexibility improves the choices available for young people when they reach GCSE level and provides them with both practical and academic options.

"The year nine students did a great job as journalists for the day, and I am sure they will report back what increased flexibility has to offer their friends at schools in the Tees Valley."