PUPILS from 17 schools in the Tavistock Area Learning Community were last week recognised for their dedication to learning with certificates from the Children's University.

The Children's University aims to provide innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours to children aged between seven and 14, and engages the wider community as learning partners.

Pupils have a 'passport' and collect stamps based on the number of hours of informal learning at clubs and activities outside school hours, which go toward Children's University award certificates of bronze, silver and gold.

The pupils from Horrabridge Primary, Tavistock Community Primary, Bickleigh Down Primary, Lamerton and Gulworthy Federated Primaries, Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary, Princetown Primary, Tavistock College, St Peter's Junior School and Whitchurch Primary, all received certificates for their silver award, which involved gaining 65 hours of attending after school activities such as swimming clubs, music clubs, drama groups, Scouts or Guides.

The youngsters were presented with their certificates by the mayor of Tavistock, Cllr Harry Smith, at an awards ceremony at Tavistock College, with entertainment from Tavistock College's Jazz Band and choir and a performance on violin from eight-year-old Alice Northcott from Princetown Primary School.

There were also talks given by Flynn Burke and Jessica Patterson from Horrabridge Primary about their Children's University experiences.

Anyone whose children would like to get involved with the Children's University, or any learning destinations or clubs that would like to be accredited with the university should call Sharon Samuel at St Peter's Junior School on 01822 614640.