THIRTY children have graduated as playground leaders in a special assembly.

The Year 6 pupils at Kents Hill Junior School, Benfleet, have been to six training sessions since the start of the school year.

They learnt how to become playground leaders, look after younger pupils and liaise with teachers over problems in the yard.

Trudy Watts, teaching assistant at the school, said: "The idea behind the scheme was to give the older children responsibility and ensure they look out for their younger peers.

"It will ensure there is a happy atmosphere in the playground."

All pupils received a badge and a cap.