PRIMARY school pupils have spent a week learning about cultures from around the world.

The children, from Lumley Junior School in Chester-le-Street, explored the lives of people living in Poland, China, India, France, Italy and St Lucia as part of activities celebrating diversity.

During the week, pupils were invited to design a poster for Durham Constabulary to help tackle hate crime, with the competition won by eight-year-old Amy Hall.

At the end of the week, parents, police and staff from Cestria Community Housing, which supports the week, were invited into the school to view what they had studied, including a Polish dance display, Chinese art and craft activities and helping pupils recreate the leaning tower of Pisa.

Cestria Customer Relationship Manager Lisa Coverdale, who helped organise the event, said: “The International Week activities were a really fun way for the pupils to learn about different cultures and countries around the world.

“The countries we chose to learn about were based on the profile of our tenants and it was a chance to see how life is different for children growing up in these countries, but also what we all have in common.

“The pupils were really enthusiastic and curious to learn about cultures and traditions which are different to their own, they did a fantastic job.”

International School Coordinator Christine Hodgson, who also teaches Year Four children, said: “We are very keen to promote respect and understanding of different nationalities, religions and cultures and International Week was a great way of doing that.

“By taking part in the different activities, the pupils really gained a greater cultural and global awareness”.