A GROUP of pupils were put through their paces with a variety of challenges at the offices of an energy company.

Children from Cotsford Junior School in Horden, east Durham, visited EDF Energy, in Sunderland, in an event organised by Peterlee Education Action Zone.

The challenges were based on work previously covered in school literacy and numeracy lessons, while other tasks involved problem solving and role-play.

Teacher Steve Lamb said: "This is the second year of this unique programme, which aims to raise standards of achievement, improve children's motivation and enhance delivery of the National Curriculum."

The visit also gave the children a chance to show off their ICT skills.

At the end of the day, they gave a PowerPoint computer presentation of the work they had undertaken during their visit to EDF's thriving customer services centre.

Class teacher, and literacy co-ordinator, Trish McGowan, said: "The activities carried out during the children's visit, particularly the role play and mock telephone calls, will greatly enhance the work we are doing at school to develop speaking and listening skills."