A SCHOOL chose a Durham theatre as a venue for its annual prize-giving while its new hall is being built.

More than 200 pupils from St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, in Washington, took part in the ceremony at the Gala Theatre.

The prizes were presented by Bridget Phillipson, a former pupil of St Robert’s who was recently named the Labour candidate for the Houghton and Sunderland South seat at the next General Election.

Headteacher Simon White said: "By 2010 we’ll have a state-of-the-art school hall where we will hold events like this, but until that time we need to find somewhere equally grand that acknowledges the achievements of our pupils.

"The evening was an incredible success."

The headteacher’s awards went to Billy Adams, Pamela Hikwa and Russell Naglis.