A SOUTH Durham family who won an education award are promoting a special learning week.

The six members of the Parsley family, from Bishop Auckland, were presented with the family learning award at a ceremony sponsored by County Durham Learning Partnership.

They are being hailed as an example of what can be achieved by organisers of a family learning week which is part of a skills for life campaign.

John and Sharon Parsley went back to school to join their children John, ten; Kirsten, nine; Katherine, seven; and four-year-old Chloe.

Mr and Mrs Parsley have been attending parent and child groups at Cockton Hill School, Bishop Auckland, for more than five years. Two of the couple's children have received pupil of the year awards.

Mr Parsley said: "I wanted to know what my children were learning from school so I could help them with their work. Lessons are very different compared to when I was at school."

Eleven County Durham schools will be taking part today in drawing classes for pupils, families, staff and professional artists.

Tomorrow, there are promotional stands and other information on display at Stanley Market, with a similar event at Chester-le-Street on Friday. On Saturday, families will got to Sunderland's Stadium of Light to watch the match against Millwall and take part in a joint project with the football club.

Margaret Richards, Durham Local Education Authority's family programmes manager, said: "Learning is something the whole family can take part in.

"Family learning week encourages families to have fun while learning and can turn learning into an exciting and memorable experience.

The skills for life programme has been so successful that the County Durham Learning Partnership is recruiting a co-ordinator and assistant to support activities across the county.