Nigel Beard MP was full of praise for the work of students at a referral unit for pupils out of mainstream schools.

He was guest of honour at the Howbury Centre unit, in Slade Green to present Year 11 students with records of achievement. There were presentations to other pupils of all ages for improvement, attendance and for service to the centre.

Pupils attend the centre because they are out of school for a variety of reasons, including school phobia, persistent truanting or exclusion.

Pupils attending the unit have scored successes including good GCSE results and awards in the Bexley Civic Society's annual art competition. Pupils have also taken part in sports competitions and helped primary school children with reading and games.

There were prizes from Bexley's mayor Councillor Ann Lucas, including her achievement award to Darryn Stewart.

And Luke Anderson from the Charlton Athletic and Railtrack Project presented awards for sportsman and sportswoman of the year to Samuel Wadham and Emran Mehmet.

Mr Beard told the pupils, parents and staff the unit was a "centre of excellence" and praised its warmth and friendliness.

There was also praise for the centre from Tracey Byrne national development manager of the Coca Cola sponsored Youth Esteem UK which sponsored some of the awards.

July 15, 2002 13:00