SCHOOLCHILDREN were given an insight into the world of work at an interactive career fair.

The event, at Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, saw youngsters quiz professionals, education providers and business leaders about what their jobs involve.

The police, Sainsbury’s, Bishop Auckland College, Toby Carvery, South West Durham Training and The Northern Echo were some of the organisations represented.

As well as finding out about the careers and courses available the children asked about team work, the skills and qualifications needed and the positive and negative aspects of each role.

East Durham College, which offers a range of agriculture, animal care and horticultural courses at its Houghall campus, near Durham City, also gave children the chance to handle snakes, rabbits, tortoises and lizards.

Meanwhile, Fudge Hair Design, based in Shildon, transformed their hair with colourful washout gel.

Northern Echo reporter Lizzie Anderson, who attended the event, said: “The children were very polite and enthusiastic. They asked a lot of questions and were particularly impressed by the shorthand journalists use when taking notes.”