PUPILS are stamping their own designs on the humble envelope after being set the task of creating their own stationery.

Students at Usworth School in Washington have been set the project of creating their own eye-catching envelopes, which they will then see manufactured at Washington Envelopes' factory, in the town's Hertburn Industrial Estate.

The company gave a computer to the school in November, which will allow pupils to use the latest software to create their designs.

It was part of a donation of five computers, printers and IT accessories to the school from the 1000 Computer project, which was developed by the Usworth Partnership to bring Washington schools and local industry together.

Laurence Bell, director of the partnership, said: "Washington Envelopes has fully embraced the industry school partnership and is providing pupils with invaluable skills.

"Teachers have been given hands-on training to use the software both at the Washington Envelopes' factory and at the school.

"The beauty of this type of project is that it is not a one-off and it will continue for years to come across all the age groups.