A SCHOOL on a North-East housing estate is spreading the multi-cultural message by running an Asian dance class for its pupils.

Based at Firthmoor Primary School, Darlington, the course has been singled out as a good example of the region's strong community arts scene by the people behind Tyneside's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

The NewcastleGateshead Initiative will use the Firthmoor scheme in its submission to the judging panel, to illustrate the range of cultural events taking place across the region.

Firthmoor Primary School began the after-school course, run by instructor Suneeta Lee, two years ago, and children of all ages are learning a range of dance styles.

Suneeta said: "We do not just do Bollywood dancing, we also do classical and folk, and the children love it and love learning new steps. The idea is to help them experience different cultures."

Andrena Cabourn, the school's headteacher, said: "We want the children to experience various cultures and we promote that throughout the school."

If the Capital of Culture 2008 bid is successful later this year, it is expected to attract millions of pounds of investment into the region, from both investment in the arts and an increase in the numbers of visitors.

Much of that money will be spent in the south of the area, including the Tees Valley.

More information is available on www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com