YOUNG people were told to step away from their computers and take a well-deserved day long screen break.

Smithills School held its first screen free day to give pupils from their laptops, which they have been using during lockdown as lessons are delivered remotely.

Instead teachers came up with a variety of activities linked to their subject for pupils to take part during their screen free day.

They ranged from cooking, drawing their own family tree and many more. They were uploaded to the school website and pupils downloaded them the day before.

Key worker children who have been in school since lockdown also enjoyed a day off timetable day making muffins and toasting marshmallows as well as taking part in sporting activities.

Andrew Schofield, head of humanities, said: "We wanted to do something a little different with all the blended learning happening at this time and we thought we would reward our hard-working pupils with a day away from the screens."

Teachers said that the pupils really engaged with the day and parents enjoyed it too, with one telling school: "It was so refreshing to see my daughter enjoying participating in the tasks. I have tried some of the cooking she made, and it was delicious."

Carolyn Dewse, vice principal, added, "It was lovely to see all the Smithills pupils participating in something a little different from normal lessons. Everyone got involved in the activities and the day went down as a success. I would like to thank all the teachers and support staff at school that helped put together this truly unique day".