Pupils at Ark School recently held a Heroes Day which was part of the Children’s University project where teachers look at the learning opportunities that the children have outside of school hours.

The day was organised by teacher Simone Walsh and the idea of the project was to get all the pupils at the school to nominate someone that has influenced their lives.

Each child wrote a letter to their hero explaining why they had chosen them. The letters were then collected and a random draw took place choosing around 15 nominations.

Simone then had the task of tracking down the nominees and inviting them to a special lunch and assembly held at the school.

Not all of the nominees were able to make the special day due to work commitments, but those who did were given a special tour of the school by the pupils.

Following the tour, an assembly was held where the children read out their thank you letters.

Some of the heroes even gave a short talk during assembly about their jobs which was of great interest to the children.

Toby Thorne nominated his swimming instructor, Dave McQuair. He said: “When I first arrived at JHQ, I found swimming really hard. Mr McQuair has never given up on me and I have now lost my fear of the deep end and can now swim 59 metres. I feel really proud of myself and really proud of Mr McQuair too.”

Elise Busby nominated her hand surgeon, Dr Denks. She said: “I chose him because he made my hand get better after I had an accident, so he’s my hero.”

Florence Fielding nominated Rita Otten who is a local vet. She said: “She looks after the school Tierpark animals at the school which I think is really good.”

And the heroes of the day were very happy to have been chosen. SSgt Gillian Duncan was nominated by Zach Drapier for her swimming coaching. She said: “I was very chuffed to be nominated. I haven’t got any children myself, so this was very nice.”

Andy Williams received two nominations from Kayleigh Smith and Terry Jeeves for his work at the JHQ Youth Club. Andy said: “I’d like to think that I’ve made a good impression on these children, so it’s nice to be appreciated.”

Rachel Moores was nominated by Molly Dunnin who teaches her dancing. Rachel said: “I think that she enjoys it so much and I think that it’s a great idea what the children have done.” All in all, a good day was had by all.

Simone, who supports literacy throughout the school, said that it was a day of celebration: “The whole purpose of Heroes Day is to look at the community and in particular those whom we consider to be heroes that influence the children’s lives, be it a baby sitter or a mentor.

“It has turned out to be a lovely day, and a big thanks to everyone that came along today and to Della at the NAAFI who organised the catering.”

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The Dog Centre Elmpt welcomed its very first customer, black Labrador Abbey, on March 15, when it reopened under new private management following a refurbishment and a spruce up.

Abbey was the first guest through the door of the centre, which will offer dog kennel facilities for both large and small dogs.

The centre is located in the same location on Javelin Barracks that it used to be, opposite 7th Signal Regiment’s headquarter building.

The services on offer at the centre currently includes doggy day care, overnight care, weekend care and holiday care.

The plan though is to extend the services to also include puppy training and dog obedience and agility classes in the future. There could also be a pick-up from home and drop-off service.

The new owner of the Dog Centre Elmpt is Martina Jokesch, who has had plenty of experience working with dogs in the past.

Martina has accumulated a large amount of experience working with and looking after dogs. She has also been helping rescue dogs for over 20 years in Germany, and her own dog Bika, a Leonberger, has been a swimming-rescue dog at a local lake.

The co-manager of the Elmpt centre is Dave Mair, who is also the current manager of the dog centre at JHQ, which will continue to run as normal until the draw-down of the establishment.

Martina told Sixth Sense just what the dogs at the centre would experience: “The dogs can play outdoors and socialise with other dogs if they want to.

“There are also comfortable, large individual kennels for them to rest and to go when the weather is wet.

“Smaller dogs can be kept in a separate area, and there are two fully heated and comfortable isolation kennels when that is required.”

People who wish to have their dogs stay at the kennels must make sure the animals are fully vaccinated and insured.

For more information about using the Dog Centre Elmpt telephone Martina on 02163 972233, or 0160 95021261.

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