TWO County Durham schools have won an award for their efforts to teach pupils about other countries.

Cockton Hill Infants School, Bishop Auckland, and St Patrick's RC Primary School, Consett, have been given the British Council's International Schools Award (ISA)

The aim of the award is to encourage schools to teach pupils about other countries, their history, culture and language.

Yesterday, pupils from the two schools gave a presentation to Durham County Council's cabinet.

The youngsters also enjoyed a story-telling session in French by Jean-Paul Mortagne who is visiting eight schools in the county.

Council leader Ken Manton said: "Schools play a vital part in preparing our children to be global citizens.

"Children become more outward looking and better informed about the wider world through taking part in international activities.

"They can experience other cultures, enjoy new ways of working and learning and get to speak other languages.

"The ISA recognises good practice in curriculum-based international work in schools and we'd like to see as many of our schools as possible achieving the award.''

To gain the award, which lasts for three years, schools must produce evidence to show they have an international policy that includes year-round activities in a range of subjects involving a number of age groups and that they are properly evaluated.

Since the scheme started in 1998, a total of 12 County Durham schools have been accredited and a further five are applying for the award.