CHILDREN from a Bracknell primary school got out of normal lessons for a whole five days to learn how to be a part of the local community during citizenship week.

Pupils from Meadow Vale had fun taking part in themed activities and meeting leading members of the local community, including the mayor.

Visitors including councillors, vicars and community safety team members went to the school between Monday, June 14, and Friday, June 18, to tell them what citizenship was about, why it was important and how to get involved.

Father Jeremy Harris, of St Andrew’s Parish Church in Priestwood, spoke to the children about being individuals and Jennifer Swain, from the community safety team, explained how emergency service workers did a dangerous job and what a citizen should do in such a situation.

Steve Bowers, from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, told pupils how his black Labrador called Jacob had changed his life — without him, he had been frightened to leave the house.

And in a special assembly Cllr Alan Browne, mayor of Bracknell Forest, and Cllr Anne Shillcock, leader of the Labour group, helped children understand what the word citizen meant and what it was like to be involved in local government.

To celebrate citizenship week, pupils from the school dazzled residents from Harts Leap Care Centre with their singing, dancing and gymnastics displays and they served tea and cakes after their performance.

Nigel Duncan, headteacher of the Moordale Avenue school, said: “Citizenship week was a great success with pupils of all ages taking part.

“They particularly enjoyed the real life examples and took full advantage of opportunities to ask questions and find out how they can make a difference in the community.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the activities during the week.”