LANGUAGES from across the continent were top of the timetable yesterday at one Darlington school as they played their part in European Languages Day.

Hummersknott Language College hosted an event - also attended by pupils from other schools and colleges around the town - to promote and celebrate the diversity of languages.

A Spanish theatre group gave a performance and workshops and a language quiz were also organised.

Councillors from Darlington Borough Council's lifelong learning scrutiny committee visited the college, which also runs adult learning language courses.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, chairwoman of the committee, said: "The aims of this day are to alert the public to the importance of language learning and to promote lifelong language learning.

"Globalisation and patterns of business ownership mean that people increasingly need foreign language skills to work effectively within their own countries.

"Language learning brings benefits to young and old."