FRACTIONS and subtractions might be difficult for many people, but for one group of youngsters it is a piece of cake.

A team of children decided to use flour power to improve their numeracy skills at a summer school at Haughton Community School, in Darlington.

The two-week event has seen children using a variety of methods to help with their learning, with the highlight being a cake-baking competition.

The children had to use the correct amount of ingredients to make the cakes, with the most impressive and exciting cake taking the honours. Other activities that tested their numeracy skills included board games, card games, ball games and cooking.

Help for the event came from a variety of businesses, including Asda, Burger King, Mcdonalds, Greggs, Morrisons and Peters Bakers.

The summer school was organised by Mark McKay, head of mathematics at Haughton Community School, and staff from Whinfield Junior School.

A group of more than 20 children took part in the event, which is the second time the school has run a summer school.

Mr McKay said: "The summer school is for pupils who will be attending the school in September, and last year's event was a real success. Hopefully they will have improved their numeracy skills which will be reflected when they start the new term.