A SUMMER school to help children improve their mathematics skills is proving more popular than ever.

Haughton Community School, in Darlington, is holding a two-week numeracy school for youngsters who are weak in the subject.

The course is open to children who have left junior school and are preparing to start at Haughton Community School in September. The school's head of mathematics, Mark McKay, said: "These children have given up two weeks of their holidays. What we've done is design two-weeks worth of mathematical activities, from ball games to board games, and anything that will make it interesting."

The numeracy school has attracted 30 children and, unlike previous years, most have continued to attend.

Mr McKay said: "This is the third one we have done and it has been a great success. The children have benefitted by it and thoroughly enjoyed it."

The numeracy schools has been helped by Greggs, McDonalds, Burger King and the Morrison's store chain, which provide lunch for the children.