SCHOOL pupils prepared to bowl cricket fans over with special dance performances.

The youngsters rehearsed their performances ahead of tomorrow's England versus Sri Lanka One Day International game at Durham County Cricket Club’s Emirates stadium in Chester-le-Street.

As part of the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms programme, 36 County Durham schools have forged links with Sri Lankan schools and five have been chosen to entertain the crowd during the lunch-time interval

The 100 pupils taking part, from four primary schools and one secondary, worked with professional dance teachers at a series of workshops to master their skills in Sri Lankan-style dancing.

Brian Stobie, Durham County Council’s international officer, said: “This is great opportunity to celebrate our international links and help pupils expand their understanding of different cultures.

"They will be performing to a bumper crowd and to a specially-composed piece of music for the One Day International."

Schools taking part are St Mary’s RCVA Primary, South Moor, Ouston Infant School, Ouston, Chester-le-Street, St Benet’s RCVA Primary School, Ouston, Roseberry Sports and Community College, Pelton, Roseberry Primary School, Pelton.