A PRIMARY school is drumming up support for the arts with a week dedicated to the subject.

St Francis Junior School, in Newton Aycliffe, is hosting a number of creative workshops.

Yesterday, year six pupils impressed schoolmates and parents with a steel drum show before teachers gave their own performances on the drums.

The show was the culmination of weekly sessions with Gail Forster, of Sage Gateshead, and Ian Wynd, of Durham County Council's music support service.

The youngsters are now looking forward to performing at the Sage Gateshead, in the Heave Away Haul Away concert as part of the Tall Ships Festival.

The annual arts week is part of the school's effort to develop dance, drama, art and music, which has secured it a national silver Artsmark Award.

Arts development co-ordinator Helen Ribchester said: "This is a lovely opportunity for pupils and staff to get involved in the arts.

"For children, it can raise self-esteem and give them a chance to shine outside of key areas of the curriculum.

"And it has been a good team-building experience for staff."