PRIMARY school pupils have swapped playtime for ‘plate-time’ as part of their celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Hundreds of youngsters at Skerne Park Academy, in Darlington, made commemorative plates to mark Her Majesty’s 70-year reign, with the town’s MP, Peter Gibson, judging the winners.

The overall winner was 10-year-old Klara Ćwiakowska, and the top plate-designers in the other age categories were: Nikoleta Bila, nine, Leah Caldecott, six, and Jack Geldard, five.

The school’s history co-ordinator, Rebecca Saxton, said: “Every child, from nursery upwards, took part, and they loved having a go, using a wide range of different styles and materials to produce their designs.”

The pupils have taken part in lots of other Platinum Jubilee activities, including researching the history of The Queen’s reign; making bunting; playing traditional lawn games, such as quoits and skittles; and learning songs going back to the time of the coronation.

The fun activities, which were organised by Mrs Saxton, were rounded off with an afternoon tea, featuring cakes and scones.

Mr Gibson said: “It’s always a pleasure to come into Skerne Park Academy and it’s lovely to see the efforts of all the children in making these wonderful commemorative plates that demonstrate a variety of artistic skills.

“I was proud to pick a winner in each category, the standard was very high, but I chose those that appealed to me personally, and showed the most flair, creativity and effort.”

Interim Head Teacher, Sarah Hardy, said: “The children have really enjoyed learning about The Queen. It gave them a better understanding of history and a sense that The Queen is part of their lives. They’ve done a lot of hard work so they’re really looking forward to afternoon tea!”

Mr Gibson presented the winning pupils with shopping vouchers, and Klara received a commemorative coin as the overall winner.

The MP also presented every pupil in the school with commemorative Platinum Jubilee certificates.