CHILDREN who have excelled in English and maths have been acknowledged in a special ceremony.

More than 180 mums, dads and children filed into St Peter's Church, Church Road, Thundersley, for the presentation of awards.

This marked the culmination of a year's hard work for the children who all attended the Kumon classes in the church hall.

Kumon is an after-school study programme designed to help children of all ages and abilities to fulfil their potential in maths and English. It is a Japanese system based on repetition and practice.

Kumon teacher Laraine Harris, who runs the centre said: "We're here to help children improve their English and maths, and give them confidence.

"We help them to speed up mental arithmetic and improve concentration and reading skills in English "The proof is in the pudding. My pupils have worked every night for the past year and this has helped some of them to rise to the top of the class.

"Others have excelled in terms of their personal ability and have a lot of be proud of."

Bronze awards were given to children who have got one year ahead of their academic year, silver awards were given to children two years ahead and gold awards were handed out to children who are more than two years ahead of their academic year.

Maria Hutchings, 46, of Romsey Road, Benfleet, has three children, John Paul, 12, William, seven, and Harriet, four.

She said: "Jean Paul has special needs and attends the Cedar Hall School, Hart Road, Thundersley.

"He loved joining his brother and sister who both go to St Michael's Primary in Leigh. All of my children have leapt ahead and that's because of the invaluable help they've received."

For more information about the Kumon Club, contact Laraine on 01702 612317.