A UNIQUE primary school initiative is going live with the release of a gaming app developed and designed by nine and 10-year-old children.

Settle Primary School offered selected pupils a two-week summer computer programming course, working with professional software developer Steve Dobson.

The end result, a game called School Rush!, is due for release in the Apple App store next Thursday, September 18.

Headteacher Richard Wright said: “I believe this is a unique project. To my knowledge there is nothing like this anywhere else in the country."

The game will be available for both iPhone and iPad.

Mr Wright added: “Often games are for either iPad or iPhone. We have used industry standard programming techniques and code to create a truly marketable game, capable of standing alongside any commercial product. The game is based on the Settle Primary School logo. It’s a celebration of the school and the area in which we live.

"The course, called Code Breakers, sought to emulate Silicon Valley in the way the children approached the creation of the game. We are very grateful to staff ICT leaders Sarah Entwistle and Will Macpherson who gave up part of their summer holidays to be involved in the initiative.

"Code Breakers is a prime example of our commitment to aiming high for excellence in ICT, and indeed all areas of the curriculum."