MORE than 500 children have helped mark World Peace Day.

The international event was celebrated by children from County Durham's primary schools, who yesterday gathered at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, for an afternoon of events.

They performed dramas on the theme of world peace and took part in drumming, singing and dance workshops.

At 3pm, balloons were released outside the theatre with peace messages attached. They had been written by children at the workshops, and there were also messages from each school in the county.

Maureen Bennett, a primary school inspector, said: "Such events help children understand the role of citizenship and the part they can play in resolving conflict at home, school and the wider world.

"It was very visual and a lot of fun, as well as an important educational event for everyone involved."

The celebration took place two days after World Peace Day.

The United Nations designated September 21 World Peace Day, in the hope it would become a day of non-violence.