FRESH croissants and hot chocolate helped bring a continental feel to a school yesterday.

Youngsters at Skelton Primary School celebrated their success at learning French with a day of themed activities.

Pupils and staff dressed up for the day, which began with a French breakfast followed by a number of French activities.

At lunchtime, youngsters enjoyed a "French Feast" menu and afternoon assemblies featured French-speaking performances by the upper and lower school pupils.

Assistant headteacher Kathryn Bell, who introduced French across the school two years ago, said: "I've been amazed by how successful it has become, and how well the children and parents have responded to it. The children have all made tremendous progress in such a short time, and yesterday was a day to celebrate their achievements."

A French cafe was available for parents and the community to enjoy throughout the morning, while the French Feast menu was created by school's stand-in cook, Philippa Sunley, a classically trained chef with almost 25 years' experience in hotels.

It included boeuf bourginonne, salade Nicoise, quiche Lorraine, filled croissants, garlic mushrooms, Lyonnaise potatoes, and fresh seasonal vegetables, followed by chocolate mousse and French fruit tart.

The dining hall was adorned with flags, streamers and French images, with background French music.