TV weatherman Bob Johnson opened the new community wing at a village primary school.

The Tyne Tees star, renowned for his dislike of "skitey bits", delighted youngsters from the reception class at Pittington Primary School, near Durham City, by reading them a story called Mrs Mopple's Washing Line.

"It is a story sack made by our parents and, fittingly enough, it is a weather story," said headteacher Rory Metcalfe.

The £80,000 extension will be a "one-stop shop in terms of the children's education," said Mr Metcalfe.

Visitors will be able to use the story sacks together with a musical instrument library. The community wing will also boast a medical room.

A playground that can be used by the community during school holidays is also being built.

"Provision for children, aged up to five, is scattered around the village in a variety of groups," said Mr Metcalfe.

"We are trying to help them to get a good start and give them the opportunities that educational establishments can offer."

The wing is a joint project between the school and the village hall association.