CHILDREN in County Durham have spent a week taking part in activities to remember loved ones past and present.

Inspired by the nationally observed Remembrance Day, St Joseph's RCVA Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, carried on the theme of reflection by creating a special prayer space in its chapel.

All 154 pupils have taken the time to visit the chapel - writing down the names of lost family, friends or pets on or by drawing pictures of someone close to hang on 'the people tree'.

Lisa Thompson, class teacher, said: "We decided to use the chapel to set up a prayer station where the children have come down in small groups for quiet reflection time.

"There were various interactive tasks where the children could think about someone special in their lives.

"We had an assembly and talked about remembrance before Remembrance Sunday and had a two minute silence on Remembrance Day, so these were activities that we have followed it on with."

As well as thinking of people in their lives, the children also reflected on what they were sorry for by writing on a strip of cardboard, what they were thankful for while playing with play dough and what they were worried about while popping bubble wrap.

"They have learned a lot about history and although they have had the chance to remember people from many years ago, it has linked in with remembering people in our lives today," added Ms Thompson. "They have shared stories about grandparents and pets.

"They have really enjoyed it and we're hoping to keep it going."