FIVE local schools are celebrating the first year of a successful partnership.

Amotherby Primary School, Hertford Vale Primary School in Staxton, Malton School, Rillington Primary School and West Heslerton Primary School have spent the last year working on the “I THRIVE Partnership” to provide more opportunities for children in the area and to strengthen links.

The project culminated in a celebration day at Malton School, during which children experienced outdoor learning, science, reading, writing and maths, as well as working with children ranging from 10 to 14 years old.

The pupils also raised an amazing £973 for Cancer Research through fundraising in the five schools.

The charity was chosen by the children themselves as part of their student-led “I THRIVE Ambassador” meetings.

Andrew Barber, head teacher of Hertford Vale Primary School, said the “I THRIVE Partnership” will continue to grow over the next academic year as the children and staff work on new projects.

“Over the last academic year, the children and staff have successfully worked together on a number of projects including pentathlon running and laser shooting, fund raising for a charity and this celebration day here at Malton School,” he said.

“As a group of schools we are committed to creating strong links with each other to improve the opportunities for all the children in the area.

“All five schools have benefitted from this project and we look forward to strengthening our partnership next academic year.

“The partnership plans to hold more joint events next year and to share expertise from each school with each other.”