PARENTS were given an early Mother’s Day treat by Gurney Pease schoolchildren who performed an award-winning dance during a special assembly.

The children, from years one and two, performed a routine which had won them first place in the Passion category at the recent Darlington School Games Dance Festival.

Teaching assistant Gill Baxter, who helps run a weekly after-school dance club, said the children had gained bags of confidence since they started dancing and loved performing for their parents.

She said: “The whole place was packed, there was a great atmosphere.

“The parents have been absolutely brilliant in their support, helping with costumes and getting their children to the theatre, they have just been a great help.

“It has been a lovely experience for everyone involved.”