AN American teacher has come to a County Durham school to teach a ball game which, according to folklore, originated using decapitated heads.

Kristen Sherry has arrived at Barnard Castle School on a year-long contract from Florida to help pupils get their heads around the game of lacrosse.

The sport originated in America and is said to have been played by Native Americans with the heads of their enemies.

Ms Sherry has built up considerable expertise in the ten years she has played the sport, including for Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

She secured the job at Barnard Castle School through the English Lacrosse Association.

She said: "I thought it would be a great opportunity to come to another country to see how schools work here and experience another culture.

"I am really enjoying it and the children are extremely polite and respectful towards their teachers.

"The girls are doing really well at lacrosse and are very enthusiastic about the game, which makes my job easier."

The team's first match will be on Tuesday away against Casterton School at Kirkby Lonsdale.