GREETINGS from around the world have arrived at County Durham's smallest school as the 14 pupils celebrated their part in an international project.

Forest-in-Teesdale Primary School, near Barnard Castle, has been linked with schools in Germany, Italy and Malta to exchange news, photographs, drawings and songs during the European-funded Comenius project.

The pupils provided an exhibition and display of dances and songs in Newbiggin Village Hall to mark International Education Week.

They served their parents and friends with a buffet meal which included German cheese and wine, Italian pizza and wine and Maltese nuts.

The school has welcomed visitors from their three linked schools - the Italian one has 500 pupils, the Germany one 140 and the Maltese one 400.

As well as messages from the linked schools, pupils received messages from France, India, Kenya and Australia. They are learning to speak German and Italian.

Headteacher Carol Connolly said: "Our school is rather isolated at the top of the dale, but this project is giving the pupils a chance to broaden their outlook and learn about the world.