Delighted students from across Norfolk received certificates last night in recognition of their efforts in completing a football-themed education course run by Norwich City.

The 45 pupils from Sprowston Community High School and St Nicholas Priory Junior School in Great Yarmouth received certificates for finishing the 11 week Double Club course run by the county council in conjunction with the Canaries.

The youngsters then had the opportunity to have their photos taken with former Norwich City forward Darren Huckerby.

The programme involves a tutor teaching groups of 15 students an extra hour of football-themed literacy and numeracy a week, at their schools.

The course involved the students in designing and reviewing their own toy design for the Canary Store and practising fractions, percentages and ratios using match statistics.

Afterwards, the students were rewarded with an hour's football coaching.

Double Club is part of the county council's Study Support programme and has supported hundreds of young people since it started at Norwich City in 2007.

Sprowston student Billy George-Kidd, 12, who lives in Sprowston, received a certificate of achievement for trying hard in maths, English and football.

He said: 'I feel really happy that I won it because I think I tried really hard.'

Jack Stibbon, 12, who attends the Sprowston school and lives in Old Catton, received a golden boot for collecting the most points for his work in maths, English and football.

He said: 'I have worked really hard in maths, English and football so I am really happy to win.'

James Wright, chairman of governors at St Nicholas School, said Double Club's biggest quality was in getting youngsters to engage in maths and English through football.

He added: 'We have had a particular emphasis on raising literacy and numeracy skills and I think Double Club has been good at getting youngsters engaged in a different way and in that respect it has been good.'

Mick Castle, cabinet member for education and schools at the county council, said: 'This programme boosts students' learning in the key areas of literacy and numeracy by using a subject that they are passionate about. 'There is also the added reward of learning football skills from an experienced coach and this can be a big incentive for some children.

'It is brilliant to see so many children benefiting from this programme and we are grateful to the football club for their ongoing support.'

Rebecca Mills, NCFC Double Club tutor, said: 'Double Club is a fantastic programme for improving not only students' English, maths and football skills but also their school attendance, self-confidence and attitude. The presentation evening finishes off the students' Double Club 'season' in style.'