STAFF and students at a new Darlington academy will take a special memento with them when they move into their new £16.4m building in September.

Eastbourne Church of England Academy will take a cross made from timbers once used in furniture at the current building in The Fairway when it makes the short move to the new school on an adjoining site.

Staff and students from the Design and Technology Department have created the cross from timbers salvaged many years ago from discarded school benches, desks and chairs and which would have ended up in a skip.

Staff member Tim Baitson decided to use the recycled timber when he was asked to produce a standing cross for use during collective worship at the Academy.

Mr Baitson said: "The wood was in a pretty poor condition but I could see its potential.

"All it needed was time and attention, and some Danish oil to bring out the grain."

The project has been undertaken as an after-school club and Laura Roberts and Danielle Clayton, of Year 9, have worked together on the project.

Academy Chaplain Sally Milner said: "Tim and the girls have created a thing of beauty that the Academy will use daily and treasure for many years to come. It is a living reminder of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work and flair."

The Academy will move into its new home in time for the start of term in September.