THE family of Euro MP Stephen Hughes have visited a north Durham school to celebrate its links with other nations.

Cyndi Hughes and her children, Amelia, six, and James, four, visited Greenland Community Infant School, in South Moor, Stanley, for its European Day.

The trio met staff and pupils and tasted European foods prepared by the children.

The event was organised to mark the success of the school's involvement in the Comenius programme, run by the British Council, which enables children and staff to contact communities in Norway, Malta and Portugal.

The schools taking part have their own website and children correspond using e-mails and postcards.

Mrs Hughes said: "It is good to see European funding being put to such good use in this school.

"I was surprised by the many 'bonjours' and 'dankes' I heard from the children.

"I congratulate the staff for their innovation in raising aspirations in the community and wish them every success with their European links for the future."