A SUMMER school held for children about to start at a Basingstoke secondary school was a big hit with the would-be pupils.

Around 65 youngsters attended the four-day event at The Vyne Community School, in Vyne Road, Basingstoke, taking part in activities designed to help them to settle into the surroundings of their new school.

The event, which was open to all prospective Year 7 students who are due to start at the school this month, saw pupils take part in a range of activities including cake-making, karate, a military-style assault course and indoor cinema sessions.

The community school also got a helping hand from local businesses which donated items to use during the summer school, including ingredients for pupils to make cakes from Sainsbury’s, in The Malls, and Sainsbury’s, at Hatch Warren.

In addition, Hobbycraft in Winchester Road, Basingstoke, donated craft materials to allow teachers to hold craft sessions across the four days.

Amy Johnston, family support and student liaison at The Vyne, said: “It is a great way for the people who are coming from out of the area to see the school, and it is a great team-building exercise.

“We ran it last year but this year went even better, and the parents and children seemed enthusiastic.”