TEACHERS at a Darlington school have been given free mobile phones to help them deal with emergencies outside the classroom.

Heathfield Primary School prides itself on integrating special needs children with mainstream pupils.

But one of the most challenging things for staff is how to contact each other and parents in an emergency without leaving vulnerable children unsupervised.

A hand-held radio system is in use in the school, but it does not work when the children are off the school premises on excursions and field trips.

To solve the problem, communications company Orange has donated ten mobile phones and vouchers to the school.

Lisa Bainbridge, special needs co-ordinator at the school, said: "Activities outside school are an important way to support the curriculum and to make learning an interesting and stimulating experience for pupils.

"One of our greatest challenges is when we take youngsters off site who have special needs, such as a physical disability.

"It is vital that we can contact assistance, and also parents, if necessary. The mobile phones will give us peace of mind."