Pioneering work with volunteers including scientists, musicians and gardeners has won a Thanet school a top national award.

St Peter-in-Thanet Junior School is the first primary school in the country to receive the Investing in Volunteers (IIV) quality standard.

It was praised for its "innovative and creative approach" to projects like a Dragon's Den-style young business event and the Family Learning initiative, both of which involved volunteers.

Head teacher Sharon Irvine said the school's small army of volunteers, which also includes those who help youngsters improve their reading, writing and mathematics skills, plays an important role in raising standards.

She said: "Our volunteers give St Peter's an essential edge in the all-round quality of education. They bring an added dimension to the learning experience we offer our pupils and their range of skills, knowledge and commitment is extraordinary."

The school's drive to attain IIV status was led by office manager Caroline de Costa and followed a rigorous assessment which found St Peter's "excelled in all aspects" of its work with volunteers.

South Thanet MP Dr Stephen Ladyman presented the award at a special ceremony last Friday (January 15), attended by volunteers, governors and local dignitaries.

June Langley from Broadstairs is a long-serving volunteer at the school.
For more than seven years, the 80-year-old former BT worker has helped children develop their reading skills by listening to them read and talking to them about their interests.

She also helped launch a healthy schools initiative and goes shopping every day to buy the best value fruit which she prepares for a break-time tuck shop.

The children assist June, which helps improve their numeracy and communication skills.

Her work was celebrated when she was presented with a trophy at the Kent Awards for Volunteering Excellence.