PUPILS escaped the furore over the future of their closure-threatened free school to enjoy a residential field trip in the Yorkshire Dales.

Year Seven children from Durham Free School spent two nights at Grinton Lodge youth hostel, taking part in a talent show, fashion show, hikes, swimming and more.

Jamie Hurton, 11, said: "It's been really good."

Meanwhile, Year Eight pupils enjoyed three days of activities including a trip to Beamish Museum, a Second World War-themed project day and building robots.

Deputy head teacher Julie Normanton said: "It's been wonderful for the children to get out into the great outdoors and experience a very different environment to the one they're used to.

"They've eaten and slept very well and gained much from the activities that we and the youth hostel organised for them."

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan is currently considering withdrawing funding for the newly-opened Christian academy, following a damning Ofsted report which has been disputed by the school, parents and pupils.