Lady Lumley’s School has introduced Pickering Gift Vouchers to their reward system to acknowledge pupils’ achievements in attainment, attendance, and behaviour.

The school’s pastoral team nominated one student from each year, and Mike Potter and Andrew Bundy, directors of Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC), visited the school to present the prizes.

Emma Steadman, Head of Pastoral for Year 10 and Community Engagement for the school, shared her excitement about the voucher scheme and the opportunity it gives students to contribute to the community.

She said: "We have some wonderful shops in the town and it raises awareness amongst our young people regarding the importance of shopping local and supporting local businesses. The school will continue to work with PTCIC to forge a stronger relationship with the community of the town."

Mike Potter, Director of PTCIC, expressed his delight in awarding Pickering vouchers to Lady Lumley’s students.

He said: "It was heart-warming to award the Pickering vouchers to Lady Lumley’s students, particularly as they were a well-deserved reward for good behaviour and achievement. I hope they took heed of the lesson that as the vouchers keep money circulating within their town, for every £1 spent, they generate a further £3 of spending in their own community."

He contrasted this with popular vouchers like Amazon, which he says takes money away from the town's businesses.

One of the voucher recipients, Heidi Suggitt, plans to use it at Pickering Book Tree.

Since their launch in April, Pickering Gift Vouchers have helped to keep over £3,000 within the local community.

These vouchers can now be used at more than 50 businesses in Pickering, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, and takeaways.

They are available for purchase at Pickering Book Tree or online at www.visitpickering.co.uk.