FIVE teenagers were rewarded last night for their 100 per cent school attendance records.

The 16-year-olds, from four schools across County Durham, were invited with their families for a VIP tour of Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light.

They were then presented with awards by Galaxy radio DJ Karen Wright and Durham county councillor Alan Fenwick.

The quintet, Laurence Winterbottom, of Tanfield Comprehensive, Stanley, John Walker, of Greenfield Community School and Arts College, Newton Aycliffe, Kevin Brown, of King James I Community College, and Stephen Concannon and Philip Santana Smith, both of St John's RC VA Comprehensive School, all Bishop Auckland, were rewarded for going right through their secondary school years without a single absence.

Director of education Keith Mitchell said: "Completing five years without missing a day is no mean feat. It shows tremendous dedication and commitment by all the young people."

Mr Mitchell said that with school attendance rates continuing to improve, he expected more students to receive rewards in years to come.