MEMORIES of the 2012 Olympics were revived in Tynedale this week when children got their hands on a special beacon.

The Paralympic torch visited Mickley First School and Allendale Primary School on Monday, as part of a UK tour to promote the Paralympic Games, which will take place this September in Brazil.

Youngsters led processions with the coveted torch, and also took part in related workshops.

Mickley headteacher Andy Hudson said: "It was a great to have the Paralympic torch in school, and the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

As part of the day, pupils were blindfolded to get a taste of life as a sportsperson suffering from a visual impairment.

Mr Hudson added: "We promote equality in school, and this was a very effective way of teaching it.

"Paralympic athletes overcome all sorts of disadvantages to compete at the highest level, and this enabled the children to appreciate that."

Schools were invited to apply to the Paralympic Torch Tour, which will visit 100 schools across the UK.

It brought back memories of London 2012, when the Olympic torch relay visited the streets of Prudhoe, Riding Mill, Stocksfield, and Hexham.