Professional "singing animateurs" were called in by a district council to get school teachers and art workers to add some life into their children's singing.

The organisers, Middlesbrough Borough Council, said the training offered innovative ideas and techniques on how to approach singing in schools.

"It is ideal for teachers, who feel they are spending too much time teaching and are looking for a more hands-on approach," said a spokesman.

Teachers attended a special workshop in Middlesbrough on the theme of singing for pleasure last week.

A second training day was held at the St Mary's Centre, in Middlesbrough's Corporation Road, on Saturday.

Singers, choir masters and choir leaders were invited to the event to help them extend and develop their musical skills.

Ed Milner, one of the trainers who conducted the workshops, also took his message to Keldholme School and St David's School, Middlesbrough