CHILDREN'S faces lit up with joy when they were given an extra treat for playtime from a sister school.Pupils at Heathside Primary School could not contain their excitement when two doll's houses were given to them from Heath Secondary School in Colchester.

CHILDREN'S faces lit up with joy when they were given an extra treat for playtime from a sister school.

Pupils at Heathside Primary School could not contain their excitement when two doll's houses were given to them from Heath Secondary School in Colchester.

Both schools teach children with special learning and physical needs, and are working together to develop a beneficial relationship.

Lewis Tilley and Michael Flanagan spent the last three years building one doll's house and repairing another.

The 13-year-olds even furnished them with handmade miniatures, including a tiny snooker table, as part of their craft, design and technology lessons. They were confident that that design was strong enough to take a battering from over-exuberant children, and very pleased to have made everyone in the room smile.

Teacher Alex Matthews, who helped the boys, said: "They have done themselves and me proud. It was inspirational guesswork really as we didn't have a plan and just made it up as we went along. They gave up a lot of their own time to make sure the project was completed on time."

Both teenagers beamed with pride as teacher Chris Macaudiere presented them with a handmade 'thank you' card from the Heathside pupils.

Mrs Macaudiere said: "Play is a very important way for the children to learn. Using the dolls houses we will be able to teach them how to shower and do other things around the house."

The Colchester school's behavioural manager, Fay Greaves, said: "It was a nice project which kept the boys focused. Completing it on time was good for their self-esteem and we will have a go some similar projects."