CHILDREN from across the region joined together for a special version of the Eurovision Song Contest this week where they put their foreign language skills to the test.

More than 300 pupils from 24 schools descended on Durham to take part in the fourth Song for Europe competition, organised by Europe Direct Durham.

The contest sees pupils, aged nine and ten, perform songs in a language other than English, which this year included Albanian, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Newbottle Primary Academy from Houghton-le-Spring emerged victorious with their version of Chu Chu Ua. St Aloysius RC Junior School, Hebburn, came second with Mercy –the French entry into this year’s Eurovision.

Cllr John Lethbridge, Chairman of Durham County Council, which hosts the Europe Direct centre said: “I was thoroughly entertained by the talent on display and want to congratulate all of the pupils on their hard work in learning a song in another language.

“Fun, interactive activities like this instil a love of languages at a young age as well as helping the children learn all about other cultures.”