Students in County Durham are snubbing the American style prom for an alternative party. Why? Because they want to make sure everybody feels they can go. Proms can be very expensive and not everyone is comfortable in a posh frock.
So The Academy at Shotton Hall in Peterlee is throwing out the rule book. Staff held a fair called 'Reinvent' to show pupils what the options are, whether it's vintage, second hand or a traditional gown... their message is 'come along, anything goes'.
Bikes were stolen after a break in at a school.The incident, at Thomas Bewick School, Linthorpe Road, West Denton, is thought to have taken place between 7.20pm on Wednesday and 7.30am on Thursday.It's thought up to 12 bikes could have been taken.
Anyone with any information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
Pupils could be excluded from a Teesside school if they repeatedly forget their homework planners or stationery.
It is the latest tough stance to be taken by the headteacher at Nunthorpe School in Middlesbrough, who says she is enforcing basic standards to prepare children for the working world.
Debbie Clinton is no stranger to taking a hard line. In 2009, she excluded 65 pupils for a day because they weren’t wearing the correct uniform.
Mrs Clinton says the rules are vital to raise standards.
A diabetic schoolboy died when his insulin pump failed to work, an inquest heard.
Adam Littlejohns, 11, had Type1 diabetes and a condition that affected his ability to produce hormones.
Adam, from Burns Close in Stanley, fell ill at school on May 12 and died in the University Hospital of North Durham.
Chester-le-Street Magistrates Court heard how his parents, Neville and Samantha, tried to give him insulin but the pump did not work. The insulin did not reached the blood stream and he suffered respiratory failure.
Dr Bill Lamb, a consultant paediatrician who cared for Adam said, "This family cared for Adam exceedingly well and were totally devoted to him and this is such a tragic outcome."
