YOUNGSTERS in Darlington got a taste of the seaside yesterday without leaving their classrooms.

The fun at Firthmoor Primary School had nothing to do with the gaffe which has appeared in a tourism advert in the national Press claiming the town is on the coast.

Twice this year, adverts have placed Darlington on the coast, while the town also has an annual Darlington By The Sea day as part of its Market Place entertainment.

As part of the seaside theme, youngsters at the school enjoyed a visit from the Rockpool Roadshow, an educational initiative by the Blue Reef Aquarium, in Tynemouth.

The roadshow aims to bring the wonders of the marine world into schools, with children coming face to face with creatures such as starfish and hermit crabs.

The aquarium's education officer, Zahra d'Aronville, said: "We are able to show the children all the incredible creatures which are out there, give them an insight into the marine world and really bring the subject to life with the help of the Rockpool Roadshow.