Gehan Wanduragala and Stuart Bell, both pupils at High Tunstall School, Hartlepool, may soon be on their way to Downing Street, following their triumph in the North of England regional finals of the Motorola Youth Parliament Competition 2001. Gehan was voted best leader of the opposition and Stuart was voted best speaker of the house. They have all won a pair of Motorola walkie-talkies.

safety drive: Youngsters at Tedder Primary and Christ The King Primary Schools, in Thornaby, took part in a poster design competition to raise awareness about road safety. The aim of the competition was to promote a new 20mph speed limit in Tedder Avenue. The four winning posters were made into metal signs and have been placed under the speed restriction signs.

School extension: St Joseph's RC Primary School, Hartlepool, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for planning permission for a single-storey extension to provide additional office space and a toilet.