Children are using the arts to help them with the national curriculum.

Staff at Bullion Lane Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, use drawing, painting, song and dance to help pupils understand a range of subjects.

The idea to engage children in creative learning has been so sucessful the school has been given the Artsmark award.

It has been organised by arts co-ordinator Catherine Horne and music co-ordinator Kate Middleton.

Ms Horne said: "The children do not realise that they are learning things because they are having so much fun".

Children have helped transform a corridor into a rainforest as part of a geography project and they often learn about different cultures.

They have been learning about African art by doing tie and dye sessions with an artist and have held dance sessions in and around Durham.

Ms Horne said: "We are delighted with the award. It is lovely for the school and reflects the hard work of the children and their parents and the teachers".

* Staff and students at nearby Pelton Fell have also been awarded the Artsmark for their drive to include the arts in all aspects of their curriculum.