PUPILS at Esh Winning Primary School are to pilot a new scheme to get youngsters out of the classroom.

The Get Out More award is being introduced by Durham County Council to encourage schools to use the outdoors more in lessons and for leisure and recreation. It follows concern for the health of children who do not get enough exercise and a declining use of the outdoors in school life.

The scheme will encourage schools and pupils to hold lessons in the fresh air, visit residential centres and go on field trips, carry out conservation and habitat reclamation and take part in adventurous activities. To launch the scheme pupils had the chance to scale a Rock-it climbing wall. Awards will be given to pupils who take part.