Children smiled and posed for photos as they received special citizenship awards presented by the Mayor of Fareham at Park Gate Primary School.
Councillor Dennis Steadman, and his wife Carole, presented Year 2 and Year 6 pupils with their Preliminary Certificate for the Duke of Edinburgh award at the school in Northmore Road.
(back; l to r) Mary Pearce, Natasha Greenfield, Mayoress Carol Steadman, Mayor of Fareham Cllr Dennis Steadman and Annabel Pearce; (front) Alfie Greenfield, Edward Morgan and Taylor Prangle
The school children created logbooks of their work to complete the award, which included voluntary service – six hours for the younger pupils and 12 hours for the older children – as well as hobbies they took part in to develop their social skills.
An African-themed adventure fundraiser day was organised by the students taking part.
Scores of parents watched and took photos as the children shook hands with the mayor to receive their awards.
Cllr Steadman said he was a great believer in education and commended the staff and parents for supporting the pupils.
He added: “These children have got a chance of education and advancing themselves in later life.
“They should grab it, hold it and keep it because it’s a very precious thing.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the children and thank the parents for supporting the children throughout.”
Teacher Anna Greenfield, who has been organising the award scheme for the past four years at the school, said: “It is a citizenship award we do to encourage the children to be involved in the community.
“Our ethos at Park Gate is the development of the whole child. We’re not just looking at the academic development but the children’s social development in the community.
“I’m incredibly proud of all the children who took part in the award. It’s not an easy award to achieve because they have to show commitment over a period of time.”