IT was fruit and vegetables galore on Friday (October 2), as two primary schools celebrated their harvest festivals.

Victoria Lane Academy, in Coundon, marked the event with a service at Saint James’ Church, which saw the year six pupils donate their gifts to Father Gary Nicholson, which were then donated to the Durham Foodbank.

The pupils also sang songs and presented readings and poems, some of which they had written themselves.

The service was followed by coffee and cakes at the school, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Headteacher, Jane Richardson, expressed her thanks to all who contributed.

Meanwhile, Ingleton C of E Primary School, in Teesdale, got creative with its festival gifts as the pupils took part in the school’s annual vegetable creatures competition.

Everything from Minions to dolphins riding the waves were submitted, as part of the fun activity, with designs being presented at a service at St John’s Church.

Headteacher, Judith Pressley said: “We are very proud of all the kids for their efforts – they absolutely love it and every year there’s always something very different and it’s fun as well.”

The whole community was invited to the church service before fruit pie and tea was served back at the school.

Mrs Pressley added: “It always lovely every year and always gets them thinking about food in the world and how hard farmers work for the harvesting.”