PUPILS at an east Durham school have won national recognition for their sports leadership skills.

More than 25 youngsters at the Seaham School of Technology are one of just three groups in the country to win a Top Link Award from the Youth Sport Trust.

Two of them, Andrew Readymarcher and Adele Brown, accompanied by PE teacher Norma Ord and school sport co-ordinator Brenda Peart, are receiving the award on behalf of the group today.

It is being held at the launch of the Department for Education and Science's Citizenship in the Curriculum scheme, in London.

The students will receive a digital camcorder - donated by supermarket chain Asda - and a PC software pack for the school's PE department.

The Seaham students helped to plan and organise a mini-Commonwealth Games festival in Easington during the summer.

The multi-sport event for primary children aged five to 11 attracted more than 3,000 youngsters from all over the district.

Guided by the school sport co-ordinator team and school PE staff, the teenagers, who have almost completed a Junior Sports Leader award that encourages young people to become involved in leadership and volunteering through sport, had responsibility for public relations.

They also organised the swimming and tennis programme.

After the festival, the group, guided by Ms Peart, put together a portfolio illustrating their experiences.

"The Seaham students made an excellent contribution to the games," she said.