PUPILS from Staffordshire schools will be treated to a free trip to the cinema so they can link the drama of film with their classroom topics.

Youngsters will get to take part in 'national schools film week' between October 14 and 22.

Teachers are being urged to sign up so they can take advantage of the scheme.

As well as the screenings, there will be an online library of resources related to individual films.

The Vue cinema, in Newcastle, is one of 570 venues taking part in the scheme.

Films being screened there during the special week include: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang; Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel; Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs; Iron Man 2; and The Karate Kid.

Nick Walker, director of national schools film week, said the scheme would give teachers a chance to tie school topics in with film and encourage pupils to "explore new worlds" by seeing films they wouldn't normally choose.