A GROUP of schoolchildren took a step back in time during the first of ten free trips the school has won with The Northern Echo.

More than 40 pupils from Staindrop Primary School, in Teesdale, County Durham, dressed up in Victorian-style clothing for their outing to Beamish Museum, near Chester-le-Street.

The group enjoyed an extra bit of comfort on their journey to the museum, thanks to a competition the school won in July.

The primary school was plucked from hundreds of hopeful schools in the region which entered The Northern Echo's competition to win ten free school trips with Shearings Coaches.

Staff at the school said their first trip had been an exciting experience for everyone involved.

Teacher Jackie Kellett said: "The children had a wonderful day and many made the effort to dress up in period costumes, which added to the experience.

"We are so pleased to have won the trips, because it means that we can go on more outings to some fabulous places in the region, which we just wouldn't have been able to afford previously."

The children, aged between five and six, visited Beamish as part of a history project on how people's homes have changed through the ages.

Ms Kellett said: "I'm not sure where the next trip will be to, but our visit to Beamish has been a great way to start."