WITH today's fast-moving technology, it was only a matter of time before even a visit to Father Christmas became an online experience.

A new video link gave nursery and primary school pupils in Crook and Willington the chance of an end-of-term chat to Father Christmas, although it would not have been the same without a present from his sack.

Instead of sending their present lists in more traditional ways, they were able to speak directly to the great man through computers in their classroom.

The link was established through a three-year Testbed project at Parkside School, which is examining how information and communication technology can raise education standards.

Government money has bought hundreds of computers and other equipment for pupils at Parkside, nine feeder primaries and Whitworth School, in Spennymoor.