SCHOOLCHILDREN had first-hand experience of other cultures in an event timed to coincide with Armistice Day.

Hummersknott School and Language College, in Darlington, staged a video conference link-up with a school in Nuremburg, Germany.

They also heard presentations from Russian students who are visiting Hummersknott, during an afternoon of events attended by local war veterans.

The theme of the event was war, and pupils were given the chance to exchange their views of the events of 1914-18 and 1939-45.

Headteacher Pat Howarth said: "The key word these days is globalisation and events like this allow our students to learn how to communicate with students in other cultures.

"That is a useful ability that they will take with them when they go out into the world to work."

Earlier, during his address to Hummersknott and Russian pupils in the main hall, Mr Howarth said: "This event gives us the chance to ponder the impact which war has on people's lives.

"We gather together in a spirit of peace and co-operation and wiser about the suffering and hurt of other people."

The event was part of a series being staged by the school, including exchange visits.

A number of Hummersknott pupils are already learning Russian and a party will visit St Petersburg in February.