Pupils bowled over by cricket visit

Pupils (from the left) Zak Brooks, of Crompton House, Nathan Christie, of Blue Coat, Alex Reilly and Thomas Harrison, both Crompton House, meet Greenfield all-rounder Kyle Hogg, who plays for Lancashire and Delph

PUPILS who have put in a perfect innings were rewarded with the chance to meet some cricketing stars.

Lancashire County Cricket Club treated youngsters from Crompton House, North Chadderton and Blue Coat, along with two Salford schools, to a day to remember in recognition of good school attendance.

It was one of the many prizes handed out as part of the Attendance Challenge, which was organised by social enterprise group MOTIV, working with the School Attendance Improvement Service and Extended Schools Service in Oldham.

The scheme ran during the spring term and offered rewards for 100 per cent or improved attendance to motivate pupils.

The youngsters watched Lancashire’s first team squad train at Old Trafford, followed by a meet and greet with the players before being treated to a cricket lunch at Chorlton’s Jam Street Cafe. Tickets for cricket matches were also awarded at end-of-year assemblies.

The challenge has seen the number of Oldham pupils achieve 100 per cent attendance rise by 54 per cent.

MOTIV director Rose Marley said: “The importance of a good attendance record is a message that we look to promote at all opportunities throughout the year.”

Oldham Council cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Kay Knox said: “Good, consistent attendance at school is crucial in giving youngsters the best chance of success and this initiative provides a chance to recognise those young people who make the effort to come to school and try their very best when they are there.”