Darlington Borough Council has announced the dates for information sessions offering details on its proposals for the future of education in the town.

The events are being held in schools across the borough and are open to anyone wanting to find out more about secondary education plans - including the controversial building of an academy merging Hurworth and Eastbourne schools.

The council said the sessions would not form part of its formal consultation into the academy proposal.

A presentation will be given at each session and parents, teachers and the public are invited to attend.

Council chief executive Ada Burns said: "These information sessions are the perfect opportunity for people to find out more about the proposals for an academy in Darlington and how the whole of secondary education in the borough will be transformed."

Times have yet to be confirmed for most sessions, but the schedule so far is:

* Dodmire Junior School - January 5, at 6pm

* Hurworth Primary School - January 10, at 6pm

* St George's Primary School - January 12

* Heathfield Primary School - January 16

* Firthmoor Primary School - January 19

* Hurworth School - January 24

* Eastbourne School - January 25

* Branksome School - January 31

* Carmel RC Technology College - February 6

* Hummersknott School - February 9

* Longfield School - February 15

* Haughton School - February 27.