YOUNGSTERS have learnt the pitfalls of parenting with the help of lifelike dolls.

Pupils at Sunderland's Castle Green School, in Hylton Castle, formerly known as Fellstead School, were given the dolls by London Electricity's call centre at Doxford Park.

After it had raised money and provided carrycots, clothes, pushchairs and other equipment, the dolls were supplied by the Children's Foundation as part of its Think Twice campaign.

The campaign, which is run in 11 of the city's schools, aims to teach responsible parenting and help prevent teenage pregnancy.

Castle Green headteacher Ian Reed said: "Our year 11 to year 14 classes have used the realistic babies before and we have found them to be a huge success among the students.

"The dolls introduce an enjoyable and interactive way of learning about issues of health, sex education and parenting."

Mark James, community officer at the London Electricity Group, said: "Supporting local schools through health and educational programmes such as this is an essential part of the community work carried out by the company.

"We were glad to be able to offer our time and assistance to help out what is proving to be a very worthwhile project."