AN AMBITIOUS project to take youngsters "around the world in ten days" came to a very successful conclusion in Darwen.

The epic "journey" was the brainchild of teacher Julie Butterworth, as the theme of this year's summer literacy scheme at Darwen Moorland High School.

A group of students who will be joining the school in the autumn term were given a taste of life and culture in a variety of countries, while focusing on literacy skills.

And our Newspapers in Education Super Story Search resource, along with a daily delivery of our newspaper, helped to boost reading achievement and kept them in touch with home. "The NIE material is an excellent way of giving young people a broader view of their local community and certainly encourages both reading and group discussion", said Julie.

"This is especially true of boys as well as girls, not only because they particularly enjoy the content of the newspaper, but because the scheme itself can have a competitive edge that helps to spur them on. "

All pupils on the course were presented with their NIE and other certificates and prizes at a "Celebration of Achievement" on the final day, in recognition of their hard work and high standards.