CHILDREN at Darlington Arts Centre turned junk into junks yesterday.

They were participating in a workshop as part of Japan 2001, a celebration of Japanese life and culture.

The 24 four to seven-year-olds learned how to make junks, a type of Japanese boat, out of household rubbish.

The class was part of Darlington Art Centre's summer school, run throughout the school holidays for children aged four and upwards.

Sue Wilson, who held the class, said: "The classes are always popular and this year they have been largely connected with the celebrations of Japan 2001.

"There are things going on throughout the North-East as part of the national celebrations, and this is the children's way of getting involved."

Other workshops have included shaping bonsai trees and making Japanese fish kites and traditional Japanese teacups.

For details of other events in the summer school schedule, call the centre on 01325 483271.