HUNDREDS of children have been staying active thanks to a County Durham school.

Barnard Castle School remained open to enable youngsters to take part in an annual activity week designed to forge closer links with the community.

Staff, pupils and former pupils helped coach and encourage children in a variety of sports, from rounders, cricket, tennis and basketball, to squash, swimming, badminton and hockey.

There were also a variety of arts and crafts activities.

Almost 700 children took part in the five-day event.

Sports teacher Martin Lewis said: "It is something we have been running for the past seven years and it is proving to be as popular as ever.

"We had many children booking places on the week as far back as December.

"Everyone really enjoys themselves, including the staff who help run the event. The activity week is really going from strength to strength."