RUNCORN pupils earned themselves prestigious awards presented by the police and crimes commissioner of Cheshire.

The Young Star Awards were given to year five pupils of Our Lady, Mother of the Saviour Primary School who took part in a Duke of Edinburgh-style project.

Four Estates, a charity in the area, wanted to provide support and activities to local young people in order to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Sponsored by the Commissioner’s Action Fund, the project saw pupils aged between 10 and 13 take part in a number of different activities, with the ultimate challenge being a whole-school burpee competition.

Children as young as four were competing against their older peers and more than 10,000 burpees were achieved in the challenge.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, David McNeilage said: “It was a privilege to present the Young Stars awards to the pupils at the school.

“I could see how much work they’d put into the project, and they were very deserving.

“The skills they’ve learnt as part of this project will help them as they grow into young adults. Well done to everyone involved. You should all be proud.”

The Community Action Fun is there to provide funding to local organisations who provide activities that will engage young people and deter them from anti-social behaviour – the key priority of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime plan.