A POETRY publication by children at a County Durham school has caused countless youngsters to find their muse.

Editors of the Barney Bard, at Barnard Castle School, have been flooded with rhymes since it was launched last year.

Editor Rebecca Heslop said: "We didn't think it would take off but we have been inundated with poetry from boys and girls of all ages.

"There have been loads from the younger children, who just love to see their work published."

Joint editor Lauren Ratcliffe added: "It is really surprising and really good. And we have had to print extra copies of the latest version to meet demand."

The latest edition, the Christmas special, is full of festive limericks, which coincided with the children being taught that as an exercise in English at the school.

It was handed out to parents and visitors attending the annual carol concerts.

Lauren said: "They got a really good response from the public."

Rebecca, Lauren and pupils Bridie Cooper and Adam St Ledger-Honeybone have already started work on the next edition, which will have a spring theme and be published in March.