Schoolchildren threw their arms in the air to celebrate their academic achievements during a lively award-giving ceremony at their school.

The youngsters from Dorothy Barley Junior School in Ivinghoe Road, Dagenham gathered on the playing field to pose for pictures after being rewarded for their hard work during a special assembly.

They received certificates for improvements in areas including numeracy and language skills, as well as for overall progress.

The ceremony took place on December 19, just before they broke up for the Christmas holidays.