SCHOOLCHILDREN have been building a future while protecting the heritage of the Yorkshire Dales.

Youngsters from Eastbourne School, Darlington, are being taught the art of drystone walling.

Children are taking a four-week course in a joint initiative called Motiv8 involving Groundwork West Durham and Darlington, Darlington College and Dales farmer and drystone waller Steve Bostock.

As an alternative to the normal curriculum, a group of about eight children is being taken to Wensleydale to repair walls on Ministry of Defence and farm land.

Rural youth voices co-ordinator for Groundwork Catherine Purvis said: "We asked the children what they wanted to do, and they asked to have a go at drystone walling. It has been excellent and we have had a really good time while putting something important back into the community."

Eastbourne School's Fiona Mason said: "The children have really enjoyed the course and now realise what a great profession drystone walling can be."