CHILDREN at Sugar Hill Primary School have been learning all about the local heritage of Newton Aycliffe and they have recently hosted a traditional tea-dance where a special guest was unveiled.

Parents, grandparents and members of the community were invited into the school hall to see the children dance to songs from the war, as well as a choir singing a version of It’s a long way to Tipperary.

A variety of work was displayed from all the children which included diary entries from evacuees, war poems and newspaper reports.

They also enjoyed learning about the bravery of local heroes, The Aycliffe Angels, who worked in very dangerous conditions during the Second World War to make the munitions at the town's ROF factories.

But the main excitement was when their very own angel was revealed.

To commemorate the work of The Aycliffe Angels, pupils and staff wanted an angel for their school garden.

Richard Hindmarch, owner of AF Engineering & Design Services from Newton Aycliffe Business Park offered to make a steel angel.

Pupil Josh Veitch, was delighted when his design was chosen which incorporates bombs for the head and body, and artillery shells for the wings.

The angel will be surrounded by stone poppies the children painted.

Mr Hindmarch said: "I found it a great privilege to be involved. Sugar Hill was the first school established in Newton Aycliffe and I currently run my engineering business from an existing ROF building. Both my grandparent were Aycliffe Angels and I know first-hand how cold and grim the buildings are.

"I am proud to have helped such a lovely school and also commemorate the ladies of Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding areas contribution to the war effort. The Aycliffe Angel will stand in their memory for many years to come."