Pupils and parents at Reepham High are among those benefiting from a pioneering link-up that is helping families by providing out-of-school activities and training courses.

Pupils and parents at Reepham High are among those benefiting from a pioneering link-up that is helping families by providing out-of-school activities and training courses.

Reepham, Aylsham, Acle and Broadland high schools have joined forces with Broadland District Council as part of Broadland Community Learning.

The programme, which started in early 2009, supports family learning, with the schools devising and delivering extra-curricular courses and activities to meet their local needs, and improve the circumstances of families during the recession.

Events have taken place at schools, village halls and community centres in towns and villages.

Chris Hill, head of business support and leisure services at the council, said: 'The success of this programme shows what can be done by providing a small amount of funding for the community work of four schools and not being too prescriptive with regard to specific outcomes for the funds.

'Each of the schools has conjured up an amazing set of interesting and valuable courses and family fun days.'

A family day based on green environmental issues was held at Reepham High School which also ran courses for adults facing or already suffering redundancy, food hygiene, computing for beginners and on health and safety issues in the workplace.

t For more information about Broadland Community Learning call 01603 430563 or email leisure@broadland.gov.uk.