CHILDREN at north Durham's leading special needs school have celebrated their most important day of the year.

It was "Oscar" time for the children at Villa Real school in Consett as teachers awarded them medals for outstanding achievements made during the course of the year. The staff also awarded volunteers who help out at the school and said goodbye to three youngsters who are leaving after 17 years.

Winners of some of the most prestigious awards were Joshua Coulson for best all round development, Fiona Walker for outstanding personal improvement, and Robert Rutledge for showing consideration to others.

Other children also received certificates, trophies and videos for their outstanding achievements during the year.

Staff and children said goodbye to Clare Dodds, David Fletcher and Finola Walker after 17 years at the school.

Headteacher Fiona Wood said the award ceremony on Wednesday was a red letter day for everyone at the establishment.

She said: "This is our big opportunity to celebrate with the children and their family and friends all that they have achieved over the year. It's also a sad time because it marks the end of the academic year and we have to say goodbye to some of our pupils."