A FRENCH-Algerian rap star is entertaining more than 60 North-East schoolchildren this week in a project designed to inspire creativity and understanding of other cultures.

Rapper Kad took two days out of his UK tour to work with children from Greenfield School, in Newton Aycliffe, and Oakley Cross Primary School, in West Auckland, at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Kad, real name Kad Achouri, is working with the children on a song called Lullaby for the World. The children will compose lyrics, sing rap and learn accent and rhythm, culminating in a performance of the song.

The song will be performed at Christmas during a series of performances at regional schools.

Each child taking part will receive a CD of Kad's work. The singer recently had a top five hit in Greece.

He said: "The opportunity to help give young people a chance to achieve their dreams is the most amazing thing, especially when their dreams come true."

The project was co-ordinated by Creative Partnerships Durham/ Sunderland, an organisation which gives schoolchildren the opportunity to develop creativity and learning and to take part in cultural activities.