A SCHOOL ceiling has been restored to its former glory with the help of an descendant of a North-East family.

Windlestone Hall school, in Rushyford, near Darlington has spent £80,000 restoring a ceiling in the main hall, complete with the original family coat of arms and a marriage shield.

The building dates back to 1835 and is the former home of the Eden family, of which former Prime Minister Anthony Eden was a member.

Workers restoring the ceiling decided to contact an descendant of the family, Lord Eden, who lives in London, after discovering the two shields while carrying out renovation work.

He was able to give the team of renovators from Durham County Council crucial information on the colours needed to restore the family arms.

He did not know about the marriage shield, but passed building surveyor David Lee to the College of Arms in London to get extra information.

David Lee said: "Lord Eden was very helpful and was very interested in what we were doing. He asked us to let him know what we found out about the marriage shield."

The ceiling was badly water damaged four years ago and, thanks to backing from Durham County Council and English Heritage, they were able to restore it.

Headteacher Pete Johnson said: "I am absolutely delighted with the work that has been done and the kids love it. We are very proud of it."

The hall was turned into a school in 1958.