CHINESE dragons, lanterns and even Chinese eye exercises were on the agenda last week for schools staging an oriental festival.

Five County Durham primaries took part in a week-long celebration of China following a trip by a delegation of head teachers there earlier this year. The teachers had been invited by Chinese education bosses wanting to learn expertise from English teachers.

Last Wednesday, a Chinese community artist visited Sacriston Junior School where he helped children to create a 40ft dragon. He also helped pupils to make lanterns decorated with Chinese characters and origami sculptures.

Headteacher Pauline Warren said: "Chinese children do formal exercises every morning, so after lunch-time the whole school has been outside doing exercises, including secretaries and dinner staff."

Throughout the festival week pupils learned about Chinese literature and art and had the chance to try Chinese cookery.