YOUNGSTERS in Ferryhill have been building mini-robots as part of a summer school.

The sessions were intended for children starting at Ferryhill Comprehensive next term, to help them bridge the gap between primary and secondary school.

The 24 pupils have been taught a variety of learning strategies involving maths, literacy and power point presentations, as well as games and activities, including making the jitterbug robots.

Co-ordinator Melanie Cormack said: "They've made the shells themselves and decorated them with eyes and things like that. Then they got a chip and programmed them to do different things, which were combinations of flashes, buzzes and moves."

Miss Cormack, a technology teacher at the school, was helped by two sixth-formers, as well as primary and secondary school teachers.

She said: "The students have worked very hard and they've produced some excellent work, with the support of all the staff who I would like to thank."

The course finished yesterday with a presentation in front of Durham County Council director of education Keith Mitchell, school governors, councillors and community representatives.