PUPILS from a Potters Bar primary school have been treated to a tour around the Arsenal training ground as a reward for their hard work.

A group of 22 children from Oakmere Primary School, in Chace Avenue, have been taking part in the Arsenal Double Club since January, a programme which combines football training with academic lessons.

The children, aged between nine and 11, went to the club once a week to have a 45-minute lesson on reading and writing, followed by another 45 minutes of football practice with an Arsenal coach.

As a reward for completing the course, they were taken to the Arsenal training ground in Shenley on March 24.

The school's head of PE, Dean Barker, said: "They played a mini football tournament among themselves and then we were given a tour around the ground. They went into the players' training room and saw all the players' football boots and kit, and we went out on the pitch. The kids loved it.

"They experienced something they very rarely get to do. They got an insight into a professional football club's training facilities and how it was run. It was an amazing experience."

The Double Club began in 2008 as part of a planning agreement with Hertsmere Borough Council, and includes activities such as holiday football clubs and work to develop girls' football.

Mr Barker said: "When they do their literacy classes, it is based on Arsenal Football Club. It is just school work but taught using football rather than books they might find boring.

"There were some Tottenham supporters there and even they enjoyed it."

Council community sports officer Helen Bottomley said: "The Double Club helps pupils with literacy as well as giving them an opportunity to improve their football skills with professional coaches. It also helps improve their confidence and self-esteem."

Pope Paul Catholic Primary School, in Baker Street, Potters Bar, will be the next to take part in the programme.