FROM country to hip hop and ballet to break-dancing, hundreds of youngsters strutted their stuff during the first Sedgefield schools' dance festival.

More than 500 children from 30 schools performed to their favourite tracks at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Tuesday.

Organised through the school sports co-ordinator scheme, the event helped to get hundreds of young people moving and enjoying exercise.

Scheme manager Diane Snowsill said: "It is about building up more opportunities for young people to take part in physical activity, hopefully encouraging healthy lifestyles.

"Every child danced to whatever music they liked - it was especially nice to see special needs youngsters and boys taking part. It gave them a chance to build confidence, work as a team and be part of an audience themselves - hopefully appreciating the work other people put into performances."

Before Tuesday's show, teachers attended coaching sessions in choreographing dance routines, which they can use for PE lessons in the future.

Ms Snowsill, based at Sedgefield Community College, has seen similar gymnastics festivals introduce children to a new way of exercising so decided to extend the concept to dance.

She was supported by Alison Dixon, head of dance at Greenfield Community and Arts College, and Katie Banner, arts development officer at Sedgefield Borough Council.