CHILDREN were allowed a good sit down after learning all about woodwork at St Patrick's RC Primary School, in Consett.

After all they had just helped build three seats in the school's nursery garden with the environmentalist group, the Acorn Trust.

The improvement was the latest part of the school's project to improve the school grounds, which included opening a playing field last term.

Headteacher Ted Young said that other successful projects at the school included a Pals Scheme, where older children offer support to younger pupils, an award-winning scheme to improve pupils' health and a plan to teach the youngsters how to play traditional games.

"There's a lot going on at the minute, including improving the children's environment and time during playtimes.

"It has a lot to do with the hard work of members of our staff," he said.

The seats were made by the Acorn Trust using wood from Consett Park, which is undergoing a million-pound facelift. Whitbread Action Earth donated £50 to the scheme.