CHILDREN are bringing their town's history to life by researching, performing and writing a play.

Youngsters taking part in a summer school at St John's RC Comprehensive, in Bishop Auckland, have two weeks to create a play based on the town's colourful history.

This week they visited Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, where they sketched costumes and made replica hats and clothes with the help of the museum's artist in residence, Melanie Todd.

Next week they will question elderly people at residential homes about Bishop Auckland's past, and speak to the West Auckland Historical Society, as well as take part in singing and dancing workshops.

The school is aimed at talented children due to start the comprehensive school in September, and year seven pupils at the comprehensive.

Clare Suffell, spokeswoman for the school, said: "The final production is on Thursday and we will invite all the people they interviewed."