PUPILS got a basketball lesson from a pro as their new multi-use games area was officially opened.

Charles Smith, of the Newcastle Eagles, did the honours at St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School in Chester-le-Street and showed youngsters some tricks of the trade.

The £22,000 all-weather surface was paid fopr with £16,000 raised by the PTA, money from school funds and Government support.

Head Clare Swales said the area was created on the site of an old prefabricated building that was taken down.

She said: “It is used each breaktime and by clubs run on a lunchtime.

“We have our own games team, who organise multi-skill games for all pupils throughout the lunch hour.

“It is used for after-school clubs as well. This year we have had a tennis club on it and we are also looking to do dance on it this summer.

“It is all part of using our Sports Premium funding from the Government and ensuring that classes are active each day and every child has the opportunity to develop their skills.

“It means they will be able to develop their skills in a designated space rather than in the hustle and bustle of a football game in the yard.”