YOUNGSTERS at a school near Darlington have been learning skills which could help create the next generation of community leaders.

Pupils from Hurworth School Maths and Computing College have taken part in a course about effective school councils. The students, aged from 11 to 16, were taught about communications skills as well as given practical information about the role of chairpeople, taking minutes and agenda-setting.

A total of 13 students representing every year group took part in the course, which took place over three afternoons.

The project was run by Darlington Borough Council.

James Gilby, a youth worker at the council, said: "It went really well. From discussions with the young people, they are really keen. They are looking at the school itself and how it can be improved. They want to get out there and be active."