A FIRM has handed over £10,000 to make sure hundreds of East Durham children have a summer treat to remember.

The money will help fund an event which is fast becoming an established tradition in its own right.

For while many Easington district residents have long enjoyed the region's annual Big Meeting, now their children are to be given the chance to take part in a fun-packed Little Meeting.

It is all thanks to sponsors, Peterlee-based NSK Bearings, whose managing director, Richard Coitino, presented the cheque to chairman of Easington District Council, Bill Peardon.

At a ceremony at Seaham Lesiure Centre, a banner made by Shotton Primary School pupils provided the backdrop for the handover.

Children aged between five and 11, from 40 Easington schools, will take part in the Little Meeting which was inspired by its big brother namesake.

Held at the leisure centre on July 13, entertainment at the celebrations will be provided on 18 mini stages by a team of top open air performers.

Attractions will include jugglers, acrobats, clowns, escapologists, unicyclists, mime artists, storytellers and musicians.

The event will climax with a mass performance of A Century in Springtime, the Millennium Anthem commissioned by Easington District Council, and the simultaneous release of 8,000 balloons and messages from each of the children attending.

In addition to the £10,000 from NSK, the Millennium Commission has given a further £25,000.

In the months leading up to the big day, sculptor Michael Johnson and textile artist Margaret Williams have been running a series of art workshops.

Each child taking part has designed and made their own millennium medals, which are now being cast in bronze.

Coun Peardon said: "I would like to thank NSK for their keen support of the Little Meeting which will be superb fun for all the children."