A NEW performing arts classroom has been opened at a Darlington school.

Actress Mary Tamm, who is appearing at Darlington Civic Theatre in Living Together, opened the room at Abbey Junior School.

The classroom will be used for arts and information and communications technology lessons.

It has a mirrored wall and has been decorated to inspire youngsters to get involved in all performing arts.

Headteacher George Ford said: "The room will be used predominately for the arts. The school has always had an arts tradition, but recently we have had more emphasis on ICT and sport.

"We thought we needed to return to our roots and redevelop a strong link to the arts. It will be useful to have a totally separate room for the children to rehearse and perform."

Some pupils put on a show to celebrate the opening of the classroom.