Three teachers from a school in Leon, in northern Spain, visited Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Horden as part of the Commenius project.

Alfonso Valderrey, Ana Martinez and Sara Lopez were at the school for four days last week learning about teaching methods in east Durham.

As part of the project, the school is twinned with schools in Spain, Poland, Northern Ireland, Germany and Finland and teachers visit different countries to find out how teaching styles differ.

Mike Carter, headteacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea, said some of the differences the Spanish teachers noticed included the weather and the fact that children start school in Horden aged four or five, compared to aged six in Spain.

The teachers learned about the way sports and games are taught in Horden and this culminated in a special dance put on by pupils for the teachers and parents on Friday.

The visitors also went along to the SureStart Childrens' Centre in Horden to look at pre-school activities.

Mr Carter said: "The teachers were amazed at how young children start school and the amount of equipment the children have, particularly in information technology.

"They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but found the weather a bit of a change as it is 30-plus degrees in Spain at the moment.

"The children also enjoyed the visit and they have been learning Spanish and finding out about Leon.

"This was the first time we've ever had visitors from abroad and it helped to enrich the children's experience of different cultures."