Relatives and teachers watched as 86 youngsters, aged between nine and 14 years were presented with certificates by Rushden and Diamonds players Anthony Weston and Andrew Tidswell.

The event held at Rushden and Diamonds Football Club on Tuesday, December 4 was part of the National 'Playing for Success' open week for the 153 study centres, based at professional sports clubs across the country.

It coincided with both the 10th anniversary of the scheme and the opening of the latest centre within the new Wembley Stadium.

Study centre manager Rob Jones said: "The presentation evening was a superb occasion. The youngsters have been a credit to their families and their schools and the tremendous turnout reflected the high regard that has been shown for the Playing for Success initiative. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the head teachers for their assistance and to commend Rushden and Diamonds Football Club for its involvement with the local community and the support it has given to the Study Centre during this academic term."

The evening sessions have been run at the study centre as part of a national government initiative which aims to improve children standards in numeracy, literacy and information technology and to boost their confidence through football related activities.

The scheme involves a partnership between the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Northamptonshire County Council, the Football Foundation and Rushden and Diamonds F.C.

This term the schools involved were: Ferrers, Manor and Huxlow Secondary Schools, Higham Ferrers, Great Addington and Irthlingborough junior schools.