Youngsters at a primary school have become the first in the country to complete a new programme aimed at helping children to lead happier and healthier lives.

To celebrate the achievement, the High Sheriff of Nottingham, Nick Rubins, visited Church Vale Primary School, Church Warsop, in his full regalia to congratulate pupils.

Small Steps to Feeling Great Passport guides children through a fun and interactive process of identifying changes they can make to lead happier and healthier lives, a journey referred to as Destination Feeling Great.

Children are supported in setting, practising, and achieving goals that challenge them to step out of their comfort zones and build healthy habits.

Upon completing their goals, they are rewarded with their passports. Additionally, a group of children are trained as Small Steps ambassadors, tasked with demonstrating courage and dedication in practising healthy habits while inspiring and supporting their peers in earning passports.

The community programme was created in partnership with Each Amazing Breath and children from Church Vale and Eastlands Junior School, Meden Vale.

The programme has been made possible thanks to funding secured by Vibrant Warsop CIC through the Shared Prosperity and Government Levelling Up initiatives, which will also support expanding the programme to all schools across the Warsop parish.

A celebration was held at Church Vale to honour the newly-qualified ambassadors and the children who have already achieved their Feeling Great Passports.

Maddy Pritchard, director of Vibrant Warsop, said Vibrant Warsop would fund additional prizes for students. More Leisure Community Trust, in partnership with Mansfield District Council, also donated rewards, such as swimming parties, to recognise the children’s efforts in achieving their health and wellbeing goals.

The High Sheriff presented certificates and badges to 15 ambassadors from years 3 to 6 and spoke to pupils about his role, noting that his modern-day responsibilities focus on community safety rather than pursuing Robin Hood.

He emphasised that the Small Steps to Feeling Great Passport empowers children to make positive choices, build resilience, and develop lasting healthy habits.