STAFF at a creative primary school have thrown a special party for their pupils ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony.

Youngsters at Staindrop CofE Primary School, in Staindrop, County Durham, threw a London-inspired party day to celebrate their nomination for Creative School of the Year in the 2017 Times Educational Supplement Schools Awards.

The awards are open to all state and independent primary and secondary schools in the UK and 21 staff will be attending a glitzy ceremony in the capital today.

The Northern Echo: CELEBRATE: Dominic Telford, five, enjoys the bouncy castle slide at Staindrop CofE Primary School Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

CELEBRATE: Dominic Telford, five, enjoys the bouncy castle slide at Staindrop CofE Primary School Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Headteacher, Steve Whelerton, said the nomination was a team effort so staff wanted to say thank you with a day of fun and creative activities for the children.

Activities included three types of bouncy castles, a disco tent and a fake tattoo parlour, while The Creative Station Sunderland West company also dropped in to carry out arts and crafts sessions.

Children also enjoyed rides on a mini London double decker around the village.

Mr Whelerton said: “It’s been a team effort so we wanted to give the children a day that they would remember and a day that they could join in with the celebrations.”

He added: “Every child I have spoken to has had a fantastic day and it’s been lovely just to see the children being children.”