A US-themed lunch and disco at Priory Primary School, in Tynemouth, marked the end of a week-long programme of events looking at diversity, safety and health in a fun and interesting way.

Pupils played baseball and basketball, took part in cheerleading sessions, trained in beach safety with lifeguards at Tynemouth, and learned about first aid and healthy eating.

The Fourth of July lunch saw them sampling New York chicken, vegetable fajitas with roasted butternut squash, corn bread, sweet corn salsa, guacamole, with blueberry muffins, American cookies and flavoured milkshake for dessert.

Staff and pupils dressed in red, white and blue, with kitchen staff in American costumes and the school decorated in stars and stripes.

The authenticity of the day was checked by a visit from the school's first American teacher, Michael Adams, who hails from Boston and will teach Year 4 pupils from September.

Headteacher John Eckford said: "The week has been a great success and the whole community has been involved in making it that way.

"The idea for the theme came from the pupils themselves, and they've all responded really enthusiastically.

"Pupils have especially enjoyed their work on beach safety, which is particularly relevant for our pupils from Tynemouth, in the run up to the summer holidays.

"The lunch is a great way to find out about how other cultures each."

Youngsters from the reception class will 'graduate' from their first school year in a special American-style 'prom' being held today (Thursday).

Mr Eckford added: "The 'prom' will be a memorable way for reception pupils and their parents to commemorate and celebrate their first year of learning."