Kate ScotterWhile many children would do anything to skip a day's school, more than 300 Norwich youngsters rose to the challenge and did not miss a single lesson.Kate Scotter

While many children would do anything to skip a day's school, more than 300 Norwich youngsters rose to the challenge and did not miss a single lesson.

Norfolk County Council attendance officers challenged pupils at 30 city schools to attend every session of school from September 2009 to June 2010 and 369 were successful.

In recognition of their hard work and determination to get the school, the youngsters are being presented with a certificate and given the chance to win a �25 shopping voucher.

The first of two award ceremonies was held at County Hall last night.

Debbie Hudson, 36, of Paper Mill Yard, off King Street in the city centre, was at the event to celebrate her son's 100pc attendance record Alfie, six, was one of just three in his year at Cavell Primary School to achieve the outstanding attendance record and one of 13 at his school. His mum said: 'It's fantastic, we're very proud of him. I think it's down to the school because they really encourage us to get our children into school.

'It's good to get them into the routine of going to school every day rather than missing and it helps working parents.'

Reducing absence is a priority for the county council and attendance officers have been working closely with schools to improve attendance levels.

At Cavell Primary, the school has employed its own attendance officer and worked closely with the county council and parents to reduce absence levels.

Parents receive half-termly attendance cards, under a traffic light system.

Youngsters from the Lakenham school were last night joined by children from the Hewett, Framingham Earl and Notre Dame clusters.

A second event will be held next week for pupils from the City of Norwich School and City Academy clusters.

Alison Thomas, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: 'I would like to congratulate all of these young people for their attendance records. Every day and every lesson really does count and I am sure these young people will really reap the rewards of their outstanding attendance.'

The certificates were presented by Lisa Christensen, the council's director of children's services, and the children will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three Chapelfield vouchers.

Has your child achieved something amazing at school? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk