Henry Nicholson is a governor at Thornhill as well as my fellow county and town councillor in Shildon.  We visited the school as we were able to use some of our funding as county councillors to support the annual Thornhill visit to Patterdale in the Lake District.  The pupils clearly had a tremendous and valuable experience participating in amongst other activities, kayaking, climbing, abseiling and gorge walking.  They told us that they enjoyed everything, but the gorge walking was the best!  As a former teacher and Gold Duke of Edinburgh leader, I know just how valuable outdoor education is for building confidence, self-esteem and resilience.  Incidentally, pupils at the school made the banner themselves.  Isn’t it beautiful!