PRIMARY school children in Darlington will be taking part in an environmental pilot programme this summer.

Youngsters from across the borough will be treated to a day of projects based on the Earth Education scheme devised in America in the 1960s.

The strategy aims to develop a more hands-on approach to learning, and to help children develop an affective relationship to the Earth. The day will be held at the Tees Forest, near the Elementis works, at Urlay Nook, between Darlington and Yarm.

Structured activities will be set out, including the Woodland Orchestra, where children will examine the tree environment, and Magic Spots, a chance for children to reflect on how they want to help the planet.

Classes of year six pupils will be invited to attend one of the four available dates at the beginning of July.

A day's training on the site with officers, staff and volunteers from the Tees Forest will be held prior to the event.

The council's Local Agenda 21 officer and the community countryside officer have both attended training events in Earth Education.

The proposed programme will be put forward at a meeting of the Darlington Environmental Forum, next Monday.