A SCHOOL trip is back on the menu after four companies came to the rescue.

Almost 100 pupils from Cotsford Infants School, in Horden, and Yoden Primary School, Peterlee, risked having their fact-finding visit to Pizza Express cancelled because of transport costs.

But Asda, InformNorth, Walkers Snackfoods and Pride Valley, which are all involved in the newly-created East Durham Business Forum, pledged the cash.

The visits to Pizza Express in Durham are organised by County Durham Business and Learning Partnership.

Hazel McGregor, deputy headteacher of Cotsford Infants, said: "Visits like these really help to bring the curriculum alive.

James Heslop, assistant manager at Pizza Express, said it was good to get involved in the community .

Through the East Durham Business Forum, it is hoped that local companies will get involved in areas like education and crime and an information event takes place at Shotton Hall, on Monday, July 14.

For more information, ring Mr Robinson on 0191-586 3366.