PUPILS from a North-East primary school damaged by fire have been using facilities at a nearby academy.

An arson attack at Burnside Primary School in Stanley, County Durham, last month left the classroom for year six youngsters in an unusable condition.

The pupils have now been taking lessons at North Durham Academy, where many of them will be going in September.

They joined in the Red Nose Day face painting activities recently and today (Tuesday, March 24) they have been decorating Easter eggs.

David Thornton, principal of North Durham Academy, said: “It has been delightful to have the staff and students here with us in the academy.

“I have been very impressed with the way they have coped with their change in circumstances.

“They are great students and a pleasure to have staying with us.”

Burnside Primary School pupils have their own classroom at the academy and are busy preparing for their upcoming SATS exams.

Lisa Armstrong, headteacher of Burnside Primary School, said “I would just like to thank the staff and students of North Durham Academy for making our year six class feel so welcome.

“The fire and the damage it caused, came as such a shock to us all, especially at this important time leading up to the SATs tests in May.

“The children have quickly adjusted to their new surroundings and are really enjoying making use of the fabulous facilities you have at NDA. In fact they probably won’t want to come back to Burnside when their classroom is refurbished.”

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Burnside school fire and is due at Durham Crown Court in May.

Police are continuing to investigate a fire at nearby Annfield Plain Infant School after a bin compound near the main entrance was set alight on Saturday evening.

It is understood detectives were trying to trace a girl and three boys aged 12 to 14 in connection with the blaze.

Meanwhile, police and fire officers are carrying out a week of action to reduce the risk of fires in the area.

Yesterday, locks were fitted to wheelie bins and today (Tuesday, March 24) firefighters are in the community warning people of the dangers of hoarding.

Rob Cherrie, Safer Homes project manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Hoarders are at very high risk of fire in the home but one of the most difficult groups to reach.”