YOUNGSTERS from primary schools across Thornaby have had their voices heard this week in a celebration of the spoken word.

The Blue Beyond presentation is the culmination of workshops where children rehearsed poetry, prose and drama.

Pupils from Village Primary, Harewood Infants and Juniors, St Patrick's Primary and Mandale Mill took part in the presentation.

Their work was covered by other schoolchildren who attended the event as news reporters.

They will now produce a newspaper to form part of their entry into the Times Educational Supplement News Day Competition.

The workshops have been led by professional artists in schools, with the support of teachers and staff.

The Blue Beyond also featured Maureen Almond, a Thornaby poet who shared some work written especially for the occasion.

Patricia Gibb, headteacher at Thornaby Village Primary School, said: "There has been a real buzz as the children have developed their drama from traditional tales.

"It is so valuable when we are able to engage outside professional expertise. It brings an added dimension to the children's work."

The event has been funded through the Single Regeneration Budget and Government Office North East.