DOZENS of children have celebrated “graduating” at special ceremonies.

Pupils from schools across Colchester and Tendring put on robes and mortar-boards to join VIPs at Essex University for a day to mark the end of studies which earned them a “passport to learning”.

Over the past year, each had notched up at least 30 hours of after-school classes and trips to historic sites, such as Layer Marney Tower, to learn new activities and skills.

Di Bignell, Essex manager of the Children’s University, which organised the sessions, said: “It was a real pleasure to have our special guests along to present the awards.

“The children work very hard to gain their passport to learning hours, and the activities they take part in are wide and varied.

“The support we get from parents is invaluable – we daren’t count the total miles involved in transporting our graduates to and from their hobbies and interests.”

Children graduated at two special ceremonies with Colchester mayor John Elliott and Colchester United player David Fox.

After-school clubs, Cubs and Brownies, sport, art and music can all help make up the hours children put on their passports to work towards graduation.

Mrs Bignell said: “We work with so many organisations in and around the area who are keen to offer learning and volunteering opportunities, giving our graduates that something extra to offer when they reach the time for applying for employment or further education.

“It is an excellent way to prepare for the future.”

For more information about the Children’ s University, call Mrs Bignell on 01206 216506, or you can email bignelld @blaxill.net

See today's Gazette for more photos from the event.