EVEN a badly injured arm did not prevent a student helping his tutor group win a prize for attendance at school.

Year seven tutor group 7AR held a party to celebrate being top attenders at Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe.

Headteacher Steve Harness felt that by introducing an element of competition, attendance levels at the school would improve.

Local businessman Gregg Little provided the incentive the children needed by donating a bike as a prize.

The scheme was advertised to all students and parents at the college, and everyone was encouraged to maintain good attendance.

Winning tutor group 7AR clocked up a 97.2 per cent attendance record in the autumn term to claim the prize.

Towards the end of the competition, one of the students in the group injured his arm, but he was encouraged to attend college by the others.

Tutor Alan Richford organised a party to mark the group's victory. Students came to school in casual clothes and a buffet lunch was followed by videos and sport events.

Tara Cooper won the bike draw and received her prize from Gregg Little.