Pupils celebrated after their school council received national recognition for its work.

Fred Nicholson School, in Dereham, came runner-up in the Speaker's School Council Awards after creating a booklet to welcome pupils to their school.

A commemorative plaque was presented to the school by Mid-Norfolk MP, and newly appointed minister of life sciences, George Freeman.

Mr Freeman said: 'The Fred Nicholson School is a very special school and is a special part of Dereham life.

'This award to the school recognises the understanding and leadership and is a wonderful tribute to the values of this school and the wider community, the teacher, parents, governors and volunteers who support the children here.

'It is particularly fitting that the award is for the school council's welcoming prospectus for new pupils because in essence a school is society's way of welcoming the next generation.'

Mr Freeman spoke in a school assembly about achieving their dreams after he managed to follow his all the way to Westminster.

The school, which caters for children with special educational needs, was one of 700 to have entered the competition, run by the speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.

Headteacher Alison Kahn said: 'The award is absolutely fantastic.

'Most of our children come to us with really low self-esteem and low expectations.

'It is great for the whole school.'

Mrs Kahn added that Mr Freeman's visit would help inspire the youngsters.

She said: 'He was quite inspirational, it has been fabulous having him here.

'He is passionate and really seemed to be interested in the children and what they were doing.'

Sue Martin, who works in the schools pastoral care department, said: 'I really wanted something that I could give to prospective pupils when I visited them.

'The children put things in the booklet that I just would not have thought of.

'They did a fantastic job. We wanted to show their school as they see it rather than as we see it.

'I have already had one little boy come to the school and say I know you, you're in my book.

'It made it feel like his school before he came here.'