A SCHOOL cricket team has been teaching the finer points of the game to children at a local primary school.

Year four pupils at Startforth Morritt Primary School, in Teesdale, were invited to take part in coaching sessions at nearby Barnard Castle School.

Members of the school cricket team and cricket master and Bishop Auckland Cricket Club coach Ben Usher gave the girls and boys their first taste of the sport.

The visit was part of Startforth school's active health fortnight.

Startforth school PE co-ordinator Clare Beecham said: "The children don't normally get to play cricket in this particular year and have absolutely loved the experience.

"Keeping the children active has become a really important issue in recent years and the facilities at Barnard Castle School have been fantastic."

Mr Usher said: "It was a brilliant afternoon, the kids loved it and considering many of the children have never played before we had quite a few naturals.

"We are keen to promote cricket as it is so beneficial for the children. We recognise that it can be difficult for rural schools to access cricket facilities so were more than happy to help out."