PARENTS in Darlington have been learning how to encourage and improve their children's numeracy skills.

Groups of parents at Bishopton and Redmarshall School took part in the Family Numeracy course.

The course is one of many available to parents through Darlington Borough Council's library and community learning services.

The parents enjoy a range of numeracy-based activities every week, which they can then take home and share with their children.

Many of the activities link into the themes of the numeracy hour that children take part in at school every day.

The scheme involves the school, libraries and community learning and the school effectiveness team working together to provide support to families who want to encourage their children to learn.

Family Learning is free and available to all adults who want to support a child's learning.

The courses include language development, behaviour, literacy skills, story sacks, family safety, healthy eating, crafts and computing.

Many parents who have been involved go on to work towards a recognised qualification themselves.

For more information call the council on (01325) 380651.