Schoolchildren in the Long Stratton area celebrated this year's European Day of Languages in their weekly French class.

After one year of learning French, the children have successfully completed the first stage of the La Jolie Ronde programme and received a certificate of recognition, before progressing to the next stage of their learning.

September 26 is the official European languages day and this year marks the initiative's 11th anniversary of the decision by the Council of Europe.

The children from Manorfield Infant and Nursery School in Long Stratton, who are 5, 6 and 7-years-old have been studying the La Jolie Ronde French programme as an after school activity with La Jolie Ronde licensee Melissa Watts.

She said: 'It is such an exciting time for languages especially with London 2012 playing host to athletes from over 200 countries, inspiring children to celebrate sports, languages and cultures of the world. Demand as well for after school classes from parents, who are wanting their children to learn a second language is increasing.'

'Learning French is extremely natural to young children, they have a keen ear and are very receptive. The European Day of Languages is the perfect opportunity to promote and encourage the importance of language learning at primary level, a great way to start new initiatives and excellent for boosting children's language capability.'