SUPPORTERS of a primary school, who have raised thousands of pounds, are to be honoured at a national celebration.

The Friends of St Benet's RC Primary, at Ouston, near Chester-le-Street have staged events that have raised nearly £50,000 for the school in the past five years.

To recognise their commitment, they have been invited by the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations to a celebration at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 13, that will be attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

They are among only a handful of parent teacher associations chosen for good practice to attend.

The friends have become a registered charity and extended their events to benefit the whole community.

Their largest event is a summer fair involving the whole community, which last year raised more than £7,000, and will be held on Sunday, at the school, from 2pm to 5pm.

The attractions will include the fire and rescue service, police, a funhouse, tearoom, plant stall, raffle and bungee jump. Admission is 50p.

Among the raffle prizes will be a signed photograph and other items from Sir Elton John, who is playing at Chester-le-Street Riverside the night before.

Children at the school wrote to the star who replied by sending 60 tickets for the concert for the children and their parents.