A TEAM of young "management consultants" brought a fresh approach to improving the working environment at two companies.

The team that took on the role of advisors to 3M and Hydro Polymers, in Newton Aycliffe, was made up of pupils from primary schools in Darlington.

The youngsters, with an average age of 11, were selected to take part in the Department for Education and Skills' Partners for Study Support initiative, which is supported by the Durham Business and Education Executive.

Pupils from Heighington CE Primary School and Rise Carr Primary School in Darlington, worked with 3M staff to look at the environment in the company's Eurolab centre.

Pupils from Abbey Junior School, Darlington, focused on a project with chemical company Hydro Polymers.

The team's recommendations at 3M included reducing background noise with soundproof partitions, thick carpets and curtains, and rearranging the office layout.

They also suggested a restful colour scheme, fish tanks, light dimmer switches, playing classical music and offering aromatherapy.

As well as making a presentation to an invited audience of 120 people, including Darlington's Mayor, Councillor Isobel Hartley, the youngsters in the 3M scheme gave a presentation to managers at the firm.

About 30 children from the three schools took part.

Neil Parker, headteacher at Heighington CE Primary School, said: "The work for the project was done by the children outside the classroom curriculum, and involved a huge amount of research and even a residential weekend away to prepare their final report. Everyone was delighted with the professionalism of their approach and we were very grateful to the companies for all the work they put into the project."