CHILDREN at three schools are receiving visits from a performance artist this week.

Robin Ellwood, from Darlington, visited Reid Street Primary School in the town yesterday, and will go on to visit Hurworth Comprehensive School and Greenfield Comprehensive School and Community College.

The idea is to inspire children by giving them the opportunity to work with an artist.

At Reid Street, Mr Ellwood discussed a Lowry painting as a starting point for drama work with children aged seven and eight.

Later in the week, the artist will talk about poems with pupils aged 13 and 14, and develop performances from the poetry.

The project is part of Big Arts Week, organised by the BBC to get children involved in working with professional artists.

Mr Ellwood said: "The week is proving quite a challenge, but the whole idea of Big Arts Week is to try to make your mark on future generations.