SCHOOLCHILDREN are helping to drive home the anti-racism message after producing a series of posters.

Two pupils from each secondary school in the Darlington area were invited to take part in the project, to promote local efforts to create racial tolerance and justice.

The youngsters attended workshops and participated in group activities, before presenting their ideas to a graphic designer. As well as being put in public places, the posters will be on the backs of Arriva and Stagecoach buses in Darlington next month.

Chris McEwan, of the borough council, said: "The workshops were fun and the pressure was on for the young people to come up with suggestions. The striking posters are a real tribute to their team work and will be seen around the town in the very near future.

"This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when different sectors of the community work together in partnership and it highlights the importance of our schools and young people in the local community."

The posters were unveiled at an anti-racism event at Darlington Football Club yesterday, where the guest speaker was actor Patrick Miller, of BBC1's Byker Grove programme.