A CABINET minister took a break from Parliament to meet some of her youngest constituents.

Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong, who is also MP for North-West Durham, presented awards to successful pupils at Howden-le-Wear Primary School.

She watched a Mr Men routine by dancers who had joined pupils from other Wear Valley Schools in a festival at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, before presenting certificates to Beth Bryan, Jodie Vipond, Lauren Parkin, Johnathen Miller, Bradley Hollis, Stephanie Hanratty, Michaela Hall, Melissa Groves, Jennifer Dover, Arron Dowson, Jack Dowson, Robbie Cowen, Jamie Clarey, Josie Campbell and Amy Campbell.

Good behaviour awards went to: silver - Jamie Bennett, Ashley Ross, Bethany Wood, Melissa Peacock, Alexandra Rossall, Shauni Wilkinson, Abigail Wilkinson, Amy Tinkler and Amy Wilson; bronze - Annalise Clarey and Dean White