SCHOOLCHILDREN have created a gateway to the new millennium with the help of enterprising trainees.

Pupils at Yarm County Primary School teamed up with trainees from the Teesside Training Enterprise to design new gates portraying themselves at play.

Aimed at marking the millennium in an enduring way, they form part of the school's programme to celebrate it in style.

The gates, along with an archway and a 20ft long walkway, are permanent features to mark the event.

George Barker, headteacher at Yarm Primary, said they were a fitting tribute to a successful partnership.

"The gates, walkway and Millennium archway are all fantastic - we are delighted with the benefits that the school's link with TTE has produced," he said.

Keith Leslie, manager of the TTE Young Person Programmes, said: "TTE is always happy to assist in worthwhile community projects and this one has been very special. The children worked hard to design the gates. They were so good that the finished article is an amalgamation of several designs."