SCHOOLCHILDREN showed their pride in being different on Thursday as they took part in their first colour run.

All 237 pupils at Prince Bishops Community Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, took on the challenge to mark International Day against Homophobia.

Referred to as IDAHOTB, the day marks action against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia and saw the children covered in paint of every colour as they ran round the school field.

Headteacher Lynn George explained how the pupils will use their colourful t-shirts to design fashion pieces which will then be paraded as part of a fashion show at the school on Monday, to mark the start of PRIDE week.

A mystery judge will be coming in to judge the show.

Mrs George said all the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves, particularly the Year 6 pupils who had just finished their SATs exams that morning.

The school is currently working towards an Educate and Celebrate Award.

Parents were also invited to watch the fun and the nursery children had a whole day of colour fun.

"The children are learning about individuality, diversity and how to celebrate all kinds of people and be happy with who they are," Mrs George said. "The children loved the colour run."