HUNDREDS of children at schools on opposite banks of the Tyne have been singing, painting and writing as part of their efforts to help with the bid for European Capital of Culture 2008.

Eighty primary and nursery schools and two after-school clubs in Gateshead and Newcastle are working on joint projects to find out about the differences and the similarities of the two areas.

Many of the schools have set out to learn a collection of traditional Tyneside songs which they will perform together at Gateshead's Baltic Square in May.

In June, another contingent will be performing their own musical compositions at a special concert celebrating the bridges on the Tyne.

And children from 16 of the schools are attending art workshops this month, where they will create designs for flags to be given out to the public at the Royal opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge on Tuesday, May 7.

Gateshead Council deputy leader Councillor Mick Henry said: "The children at these schools are the future of both Gateshead and Newcastle and their efforts show that people of all ages really want to see us win the title."