CHILDREN at Darwen Vale High School have gone international this week as part of a themed challenge to celebrate the Commonwealth Games which come to Manchester in July.

The 11 to 14-year-olds are finding out about such things as traditional foods, clothes and songs from all the countries in the Commonwealth.

They will display their research in the main hall and library and also hold an international fashion show to show off the traditional costumes they have created.

There is an award for the best form and book tokens worth £6, £5 and £4 for a Commonwealth quiz.

Chris Wyeth, 42, a PE teacher, said: "The kids are really excited, there is a real buzz around the school. They've really thrown themselves into it.

"Each form has got a challenge to make traditional costumes from countries such as Ghana, Bangladesh and Nigeria. Either the form tutor or one of the children will wear it in the show."

"They will also draw the flag, find out about traditional music, devise a menu from that country and make one of the dishes.!"

The lessons have even received a Commonwealth makeover as the children calculate the times of top athletes, find out what they eat and write reports on the events to be contested in Manchester.

Amy Walsh, a year nine pupil, said: "It helps us to work together and it shows us how much teamwork helps us. It's also a lot of fun."