FRESHLY hatched chicks have been helping youngsters at a Darlington nursery to learn all about birth and the development of young animals.

Pupils at Albert Hill Nursery School were fascinated to see 11 chicks hatch in a new incubator at the nursery.

Teacher Jackie Stone said: "They have been working on the topic of the countryside and talking about hens and the life-cycle with the chicks hatching out of the eggs.

"The children have been very excited observing them hatch.