THE colourful atmosphere of Spain was recreated for primary school children for the county's biggest Europe Day celebrations.

More than 400 children and staff from 40 schools arrived at Durham County Hall for a day of activities with a Spanish theme yesterday, in recognition of the country's current presidency of the European Union.

Children, who had arrived in Spanish costume, learnt flamenco dancing, staged a five-minute version of Cinderella in Spanish and took part in Spanish games.

Euro MP Stephen Hughes chatted with children and the Spanish Embassy sent a representative for the day.

The events kicked off with a live video link with children from a Spanish school, which had been covered by Spanish national news days earlier.

Durham County Council's international officer, Brian Stobie, said: "I think the Spanish children were a bit surprised when the camera panned around the hall and there were 200 children dressed as Spanish matadors.

"The day of activities allowed as many children as possible to come together to find out a bit more about life in a different country."