CHILDREN from schools in County Durham have been soaking up the Christmas spirit at festive markets in Germany.

Pupils from Tanfield Primary and Tanfield School travelled to County Durham’s twin town of Tübingen thanks to funding from the UK-German Connection, while children from Ramshaw Primary School ad Greenfield school visited Giessen near Frankfurt.

Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “This was a wonderful chance for these children to get a real taste of a German Christmas.

“Experiencing life in a different country can really capture young people’s imaginations and is a wonderful way to encourage them to practise another language. It has also been a great opportunity for the older pupils to act as mentors and share their knowledge with younger learners.

“Our International Relations team worked really hard to organise this trip and are delighted the young people learned so much whilst also making some magical memories.”