HUNDREDS of schoolchildren enjoyed an action-packed afternoon as part of a Government-funded project.

In the latest of a series of fun days organised by the Easington On Track Partnership, pupils at Peterlee's Dene House Primary School took part in sporting, craft and drama activities.

On Track, funded by the Government Children's Fund, aims to create safer communities working with children aged four to 12, their parents and other agencies.

Previous fun days have been staged at schools in Acre Rigg and Eden Hall, Peterlee, and the roadshow moved on to Dene House yesterday.

All the 300 pupils took part in events, from basketball and mask-making to T-shirt printing, hair-braiding and cookery.

Some older pupils also took part in drama work, portraying bullying and its effects, followed by a discussion.

Programme manager Nikki Roberts said: "By working in partnership with children, their parents and other agencies, with a focus of early intervention, we want to ensure that children experience a learning environment that is fun and accessible.

"One of our joint goals is that all children in Easington develop basic levels of literacy, numeracy and social skills."