Derbyshire in exciting new schools project

Around 1,000 schoolchildren in Derbyshire with the best school attendance records in the county will get the chance to watch a Twenty20 match at the County Ground in Derby which is to be staged specially for them.

In a dynamic innovation by Derbyshire County Cricket Club, in partnership with Derby City Council, the event will revolve around pupils who have achieved 100% attendance throughout the academic year 2006/07 with the entertainment provided by Derbyshire’s young stars of the future watched by up to 4,000 people, including parents and family members.

As well as the cricket, there will be activities, promotional and school fund-raising stalls and each child will receive a personalised certificate in a graduation-style ceremony honouring their achievement.

Derbyshire CCC Head of Commercial, Keith Loring, who pioneered the exciting new scheme in conjunction with the City Council said: “Everything will be laid on for these youngsters as though it is a normal match-day, giving them the opportunity to sample the atmosphere of cricket at The County Ground.

“We are staging the event for the first time this year, but we hope to continue it long into the future, offering an incentive to youngsters to keep up their attendance levels throughout the year.

“Hopefully, in years to come, this can become an established event in the Derbyshire County Cricket Club calendar.

“From a personal point of view, it is great to be involved in something that is giving recognition to achievers and we will pull out all the stops to ensure that it is a day to remember. “

Councillor Sara Bolton, City Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “I am very pleased that we and the Cricket Club are working together on this initiative to reward our young people.

"The Children and Young People Department wants to see all pupils attend school as much as possible. In the past there has been no particular recognition of those who have recorded a full attendance and so this day will be an opportunity to both recognise and reward them with what promises to be a great day out.”

The event will begin at 1pm on Saturday September 15 with the match itself beginning an hour later.

Support from businesses is gratefully received. Businesses that give time, goods or money to help with the initiative will be given stickers to display in their premises stating that they have supported Derby City Council in raising attendance in schools.

Businesses wanting further information, or that would like to have a stall at the event can contact Kate Cheetham on 01332 716019, or email kate.cheetham@derby.gov.uk