From mock battles on the playing field to searching for mysterious creatures in the undergrowth; pupils at a Great Yarmouth primary school have been leaving the classroom to boost their curriculum.

And the efforts of youngsters at Edward Worlledge Primary School, along with those of their teachers, have now been recognised after they received a top award.

The Suffolk Road school has become one of only a handful in the country to receive the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) gold accreditation for their work to hold classes in the fresh air - and is only the second in Norfolk to be presented with the accolade.

The award recognises schools that are leaders in ensuring all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom, and the gold mark has only been handed to 10 schools throughout the UK.

So far this academic year the school has organised 33 day trips linked to the curriculum, attended eight sporting events and offered four residential trips.

Pupils were told of the accolade during a special assembly last week, during which they were praised for their efforts and enthusiasm.

Headteacher Dawn Kightley said: 'Being awarded the LOtC mark is an amazing achievement for all the staff, children and governors here as it shows we are working hard to provide our pupils with potentially life-changing opportunities.

'We're thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and we look forward to building on this award.'

Mrs Kightley said she was confident the school could go straight for the gold award - bypassing bronze and silver - as it provided daily opportunities for children to learn within the school grounds, the community, further afield and through residential trips.

'We always aim to break down barriers to pupils getting out and about, whilst learning through a variety of experiences, particularly in this area of disadvantage,' she added.

'We are grateful to parents who are regularly involved in our activities and workshops – it is wonderful to see children and parents working together.'

During their assembly last Thursday the pupils heard from Graham Lodge, educational visits advisor with Norfolk County Council, who praised them for their work, before presenting them with their LOtC certificate.

Mr Lodge said: 'I'm very, very proud of a school in Norfolk getting the gold mark. There's only 10 across the country that have got gold so it's a very special occasion.'