CREATIVE youngsters have been given awards at a special cap 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 a special day at Essex University trying out different forms of art.

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.

“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.”

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 during a share assembly.

Miss Lindsay added: “It really ignites their natural curiosity and is good for self esteem, and its great for the children who 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.”

Essex University presented the awards to the children, dressed in graduation caps and gowns, at an assembly in front of the school and their parents.