A PRIMARY school has staged its own version of Durham City’s Lumiere light spectacular.

Newker Primary School, Waldridge Road, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has held the third mini-Lumiere in its own grounds.

All 500 youngsters in the school have been busy creating illuminated artworks that feature battery-powered LED lights and recyclable materials such as carrier bags and milk cartons.

After dark tonight (Friday, January 16) hundreds of visitors went to the school to see the pupils’ efforts.

This year’s event was tinged with sadness as it was dedicated to former pupil Samantha Stobart, 11, who recently lost her battle against cancer.

The youngster, who joined Hermitage Academy in September, was one of 26 North-East youngsters to win a Brave Heart award last year for their courage in dealing with illness or adversity.

Newker head Mark Frazer said the event was also raising money for charities the Teenage Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargent.

“We thought we would dedicate the event to her and try to have positive memories of Samantha and do a little bit of good by raising money for charities the family nominated.”

This year’s theme was stories – Frozen and Harry Potter were among those featured – and Cestria Community Housing, Hermitage Academy and the Aspire To Be adult day centre also took part,

Mr Frazer said: “This is the third year we have run the event.

“It started off as a way of livening up the dull period when you come back to school after the New Year.

“It is a great way of showcasing the children’s artwork.”