FIVE County Durham teenagers are in the champions league when it comes to going to school.

The 16-year-olds have each achieved a 100 per cent attendance record throughout the whole of their secondary school careers.

As a reward for their clean sheet of no absences, the five youngsters will be treated to a tour of Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light by Durham County Council, which will be followed by a celebration with their families.

They will also receive an award for achieving the top attendance goal from radio DJ Karen Wight, who hosts the breakfast show on Galaxy 105-106, and Alan Fenwick, vice-chairman of the council.

"To have completed five years without missing a day at school is no mean feat," said Keith Mitchell, the council's education director. "It shows tremendous dedication and commitment by all the young people.

"This is the second time we have formally celebrated this achievement but, with our school attendance rates continuing to increase, I'm sure there will be many more in the future," he said.

The five pupils to receive awards are: Laurence Winterbottom, Tanfield Comprehensive School, Stanley; John Walker, Greenfield School Community and Arts College, Newton Aycliffe; Stephen Concannon, St John's RC Comprehensive School, Bishop Auckland; Philip Santana Smith, St John's RC Comprehensive School, Bishop Auckland; Kevin Brown, King James I Community College, Bishop Auckland.