SEVEN former pupils from Bedale High School have successfully completed their Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA) course.

The students, who all left the school last year and are currently studying in year 12 at Richmond School and Northallerton College, volunteered for the course which has led to a nationally-recognised award.

They have studied both theory and practical aspects of the course for 25 hours, culminating in a final moderated session. They now have to complete a minimum of ten hours voluntary leadership work with local activity groups before their CSLA award can be validated.

The early stages of the 11-week course were spent building confidence before the students took charge of real training sessions with year seven pupils from Bedale High School.

After his first football session with a group of 24 pupils, student Ben Palmer said: "I've never been in such a difficult situation as that." But by the end of the course he and his colleagues were dealing with situations with great confidence and assurance.

Course director and head of PE at Bedale High School, H Martyn Coombs, said: "I have been running these courses for several years now and I am always delighted how well the students perform when dealing with year seven pupils who are often over-excited.

"Having gone through the CSLA documentation and having led each other in a range of sports, the leaders develop fine skills to control and lead the youngsters. This year's group were keen to learn and will become splendid sports leaders."

Lee Finch is pictured leading a group of 12 year seven pupils in a game of frisbee.