CHILDREN will focus on creatures great and small during the first RSPCA Education Week.

The animal charity's school liaison officers will visit schools in the North-East and Yorkshire next week, giving talks and leading activities.

Schools will suspend their normal timetables to take part.

A highlight of the week will be the presentation of RSPCA Animal Friendly School of the Year awards, and cheques for £500 to each of the ten winners.

Chris Holmes, the RSPCA's regional education officer, said: "RSPCA Education Week reflects the commitment of teachers and young people to the prevention of cruelty to animals."