PUPILS from a Darlington school visited a new music centre yesterday as part of a programme set up to develop their musical knowledge and skills.

Youngsters at Cockerton Church of England Primary School and deputy headteacher Claire Carter visited The Forum Music Centre, in Borough Road.

The children tried their hand at using the centre's recording facilities and played various musical instruments. The visit is the first of many planned as part of the music curriculum programme.

Stephen Harker, Darlington Council's cabinet member for education, said: "This is a great opportunity for pupils from Cockerton Church of England Primary School to gain hands-on experience of many aspects of music production and performance."

Pupils will use the centre's facilities for many activities and have already used the recording studio facilities to produce a CD of Christmas carols.