PUPILS at a County Durham school have been learning about life at a former colliery through art.

The project at Cassop School, near Coxhoe, is to teach pupils about the village pit, which closed in 1983 but which many children do not even know existed.

Headteacher James McManners said: "We decided we would do some work on its history, dig out some artefacts and borrow paintings to inspire the artwork.

"We're also going to invite people from within the community to share their stories, some of which we have already got on tape. Ultimately we're working towards a day in school when we're going to exhibit the children's art."

Thursday, October 10, has been designated the school's Pit Day, when the work will be displayed, accompanied by a performance from Spennymoor Brass Band.

The children have been working with professional artist Romey Chaffer.