IT was nothing short of a joy to host the Darlington Schools Eurovision Song Contest at the town's Civic Theatre last week.

To be involved in an event, which saw 23 primary schools come together, in a colourful, musical celebration of multi-culturalism was special.

The idea sprang from a chat last summer between myself and Darlington's splendid Mayor, Councillor Tom Nutt, and I sincerely hope it becomes an annual event.

All the 345 pupils taking part sang their hearts out and did themselves, their parents, their schools and Darlington proud.

A special well done to St George's CE Primary School in Middleton St George for winning first prize, representing Sweden with a song called "Sma Grodorna" or "The Little Frogs". According to the notes I was given, it's a traditional Swedish song and dance performed in mid-summer around a maypole "and demonstrates the parts of the body that a frog doesn't have, such as ears and a tail".

It prompted head judge Ian Robinson, of Durham and Darlington Music Service, to quip from the royal box: "When you started talking about Sweden and missing parts, I thought you were talking about IKEA."

Ian was also responsible for one of only two awkward moments. After St Mary's CE Primary, of Cockerton, had performed a catchy song and dance routine for Brazil, I felt compelled to show off my own dance moves on stage and was was given the only "nul points" of the evening.

In the second half, I felt the urge to get involved again and asked the young performers from St George's for a demonstration of the frog dance. It involved squatting and croaking – hopportunity knocked. Sadly, and hopefully not too clearly to the audience, my trousers split mid-croak.

It never happened to Terry Wogan.

ONE of the headteachers working hard behind the scenes at the Civic Theatre was Kate Chisholm, of Skerne Park Academy, who'd found herself in the eye of an international media storm after she sent a letter to parents asking them not to wear pyjamas and slippers on the school run.

"We've just had This Morning on the phone," she said.

For the record, I think Kate was right to send the letter. I want her to know that I made sure the split in my trousers was fixed before I set out for work next morning. I can also honestly say I never took my children to school in my pyjamas – because I don't wear any. Now that really would have caused a kerfuffle.

I WAS so sad last week to hear that my old journalism lecturer at Darlington College, Robin Crowther, had died.

Robin had a special gift of teaching with a blend of incredible knowledge, wonderful humour, and infectious enthusiasm for journalism.

I took a call from one of his sons, Philip, who said: "It was just a joy to have him as a dad." And that is probably the best tribute I can imagine.

As well as inspiring countless budding journalists, Robin was also well-known on the squash circuit in Darlington - a very canny player by all accounts.

I can see Robin now, rolling up to Ingleside (the name of the house in Trinity Road where journalism was based) in his orange Allegro, pile of books under his arm, and wearing his trademark brown cords. He was the Eric Morecambe to Ted Hill's Ernie Wise. What a double act!

It speaks volumes that within minutes of his death being announced, tributes from journalists across the world were being posted.

Robin – thank you for making learning fun. Rest in peace.