YOUNGSTERS have been getting into the spirit of the jubilee early during the halfterm holiday.

Newton Aycliffe schoolchildren received a commemorative mug and pen to mark the occasion during a presentation yesterday as part of a wider programme of events.

The souvenirs were provided by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (Gamp), which is providing £14,000 towards 2012 celebrations in the town. Funding has also been provided to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics in the area with events for youngsters.

A primary and secondary school Olympics will take place at Sedgefield Community College.

Gamp, one of 14 community forums set up by Durham County Council, will provide transport for the event for the Newton Aycliffe schools.

Michelle Postma, the county council’s extended schools co-ordinator, is leading the project.

She said: “Once the celebrations are over, these mugs will provide our children with a permanent reminder of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.”

Gamp co-ordinator Brian Riley said: “The Queen’s diamond jubilee and the 2012 Olympic Games are momentous occasions for the country.

Gamp is bringing these celebrations to the town’s schools by giving them a lasting memento and helping young people to feel a part of the celebrations.”

Children have also been collecting items for a time capsule and will feature in a DVD and brochure.

The programme is being funded from the neighbourhood allowances of councillors Paul Gittins, Joan Gray, Mike Dixon, Sarah Iveson, John Moran, Enid Paylor and Dorothy Bowman.