STUDENTS from two schools will mark National Architecture Week with a project at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle.

Niven Architects, of Darlington, will be working with pupils from Staindrop Arts and Business College and Teesdale School to celebrate the annual event, which starts on June 18.

In a week of organised activities, pupils will learn about what it's like to work as an architect, before being given a project brief to create innovative design.

Lisa Jeffries, the museum's education manager, said: "They will then come into The Bowes Museum to present their ideas to Niven, and the winning school will receive a prize.

"From having worked on the new galleries myself, I realised that architecture had never been presented to me as a career option when I was at school, so I thought it would be great for local students to have that option."

For information about the education programme at The Bowes Museum, phone 01833- 690606.