A special school today says goodbye to three pupils who have clocked up 51 years between them.

David Fletcher, Finola Walker and Clare Dodds joined Villa Real School, in Consett, when they were just two years old.

Today the trio, now aged 19, will be honoured at the school's annual presentation.

It is the first presentation at the new 60-pupil special school, which was opened last month. The school, which caters for children with severe learning difficulties and autism, boasts facilities including a hydrotherapy pool and accommodation for food technology, art and science.

Deputy headteacher Andrea English said: "David, Finola and Clare have worked very hard during their long stay here and have made a lot of friends. They will be very much missed by staff and pupils.

"Everyone is excited about the annual awards which take place for the first time in this wonderful new facility."