PUPILS with learning difficulties have beaten entries from 30 state schools to win an enterprise award.

Five teenagers from Hare-law School, in North Road, Harelaw, near Stanley, won best trade stand at the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fair, in Durham Town Hall.

The pupils, under the name First Class Creations, had a stand selling their own Christmas cards.

They won the prize after impressing the judges with their colour-coded and clearly-labelled display.

Indeed, the competition organisers were so impressed with the quality of the pupils' products that they placed an order for 50 cards.

The school caters for 125 pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties and autism. They come from across the Derwentside and Chester-le-Street districts.

The winning team was years ten and 11 pupils Jermaine Davies, Ashley Dobson, Ashley Elliott, Christine Jameson and Kelly Pitt.

They each took home a medal, plus a crystal trophy for the school.

Ashley Elliott also received a special award for her excellent attitude.

Two members of staff, Charlotte McGladdery and Julie Urwin, accompanied the pupils on the day.

Acting headteacher Maggie Collins arranged an assembly to celebrate the pupils' achievement.