YOUNGSTERS at a Darlington school have found a smart way to raise cash.

Pupils at Mowden Junior School collected more than £3,000 towards a new play area with the help of chocolate Smarties.

About 260 children each took home a tube of the sweets before the Easter holidays, which they emptied and refilled with money.

Now the school is well on the way to its £4,000 target for the play area, and the children have had more fun by making models with the tubes.

Headteacher Brian Watkinson said: "The children really took the idea on board and worked hard to raise the money. Months ago we asked the pupils for ideas on how they would improve the play area. They came back with lots of suggestions ranging from a swimming pool to a multiplex cinema. Other, more realistic ideas, including seating areas, game ideas painted on the tarmac and games that could be stored indoors and played outdoors."

Other fundraising has included a sponsored fun day.

Mr Watkinson said: "We are now very near our target thanks to the efforts of all the parents, the parents' association, and the pupils involved."