A WORK-OUT with the Paras was on the curriculum for dozens of schoolchildren from County Durham yesterday.

A group of 40 youngsters aged between 15 and 18 were put through their paces by the Parachute Regiment in Durham City as part of a Durham Agency Against Crime initiative.

The pupils, who were chosen by their teachers, were also competing for a place on a five-day activity course with the Paras at Aldershot next month.

The event was held at Durham Police headquarters in Aykley Heads.

PC Mary Atkin, from the agency, said the course, which was called Give Young People a Look at Life, was aimed at encouraging youngsters to make a positive contribution to society.

She said: "The idea is the youngsters take part in activities designed to build confidence, self-esteem and social skills and, hopefully, they will be less likely to become involved in crime and anti-social behaviour."

Activities during the course in Aldershot will include leadership skills, living in the field, first aid, physical training, command skills, drill, swimming, environmental issues and field cooking.