CHILDREN from either side of the Tyne are backing a bid for European Capital of Culture status in 2008.

Eighty primary and nursery schools, plus two after school clubs, in Gateshead and Newcastle are working on a series of joint projects.

The Tyneside youngsters are looking at the similarities and differences of the north and south sides of the river, while also supporting the Gateshead and Newcastle case for culture capital status in 2008.

Among the first pair of twins on the opposite sides of the river are Bensham Grove Nursery School, in Gateshead, and Newcastle's Cruddas Park Family Centre.

The youngsters have painted pictures, created stories and diaries, sung songs and taken part in musical and art workshops.

Bensham Grove headteacher Jean Wilson said: "We are the proposed site for a new neighbourhood nursery and family centre, so it seemed natural to team up with Cruddas Park to find out what happens there."