THE writing skills of youngsters at a Crook primary school have taken them to the final of a national award.

Reporters from year six at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School won the journalism category in the regional round of the Write Here, Write Now competition, which was run by the Department for Education and Skills.

Government Chief Whip and North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong presented certificates to the class yesterday.

Four pupils will attend a presentation ceremony at the British Library next month. Chloe Robinson, Laura Hopper, Andrew McKay and Luke Elliff earned the praise of the judges with their news report about a fictional flood.

Mr Armstrong said: "I'm very proud that the best entry from the whole of the North-East was from Crook.

"It is a very good piece of work and I know the children worked hard to win the prize. I am looking forward to seeing the children receive their award in London."

The writing awards support the National Literacy Strategy and are open to pupils aged eight to ten. There were more than 34,000 entries from across the country.