EIGHT youngsters were treated to a behind the scenes look at the £6m special needs school they will start at in September.

Pupils from Whitworth School, in Spennymoor, which closed last week, toured their new school, The Oaks, which is being built in the existing school's grounds.

Youngsters were shown around by staff from Wates Construction, who are building the school for Durham County Council.

Jason Conrad, section manager, said: "The youngsters asked lots of questions and I think we may have one or two budding construction specialists in the making."

The Oaks will cater for up to 160 primary school pupils and the Evergreen school, on Warwick Road, Bishop Auckland, will cater for up to 200 secondary school pupils.

The two developments will replace four existing schools.