CREATIVE youngsters have been given awards at a special gap and gown presentation.

Children at Wix and Wrabness Primary School have achieved the school’s first ever Explore Awards.

The arts council accredited award saw them take part in different forms of art at Essex University.

Teacher Vanessa Lindsay said: “The children went to the university, which is brilliant for aspirations.

“They call it ‘explore in a day’.

“We had an art appreciation workshop, drama workshop and looked around the site.

“The children loved it.

“But because here at Wix and Wrabness we have creativity at the heart of our vision, we did things in the school as well.

“We had a workshop with children’s author James Campbell, a caring for the environment workshop and worked with the Grand Theatre of Lemmings.”

Miss Lindsay added: “It really ignites their natural curiosity and is good for self esteem, and its great for the children that aren’t as academic as they can really shine.

“The awards scheme also goes on to bronze, silver and gold and can eventually lead to Ucas points.”

The 62 children, aged from seven to 10, used their experiences of the arts to complete work booklets and achieve their awards.

They also put on a display of Indian dancing and demonstrations of games.

Essex University presented the awards to the children at an assembly in front of the school and their parents.

Headteacher James Newell said: “Following our recent good Ofsted we are thrilled to be working with the university again and continuing our creative practice.”