CHILDREN as young as 10 have been honoured with university certificates. More than 150 students and their families crowded St Joseph's School hall, in Queens Drive, for the presentation ceremony of Swindon's Children's University.

But there are fears they may be among the last children to graduate if funding is not found to continue the scheme.

Rob Crow is the manager of the university, which offers activities not usually covered by the national curriculum.

It is enjoyed by more than 600 youngsters during the school holidays.

Mr Crow said: "We have come to the end of our three year funding from the council, which we always knew would happen.

"We now have to put together a business plan to find more funding from elsewhere.

"This year, as always, has been a huge success and the children have really enjoyed the courses."

Swindon Mayor, Councillor Stan Pajak, treated the crowd to a smattering of French before presenting each student with a commemorative certificate.

Keelan Barron, 10, and Isobel Barrett, 11, were among this year's graduates.

Keelan, who attends Eldene Primary School, said: "I made a lot of new friends on the course and had good fun.

"I did the circus skills course where you learn how to walk on stilts and juggle. I found it really hard to balance but managed a few steps."

Isobel, who attends St Joseph's School, attended all three weeks on offer and wishes it had been longer.

"I made a very good friend called Sophie," said Isobel. "I did sailing, photography, wax painting and textile transformation.

"The wax painting was the most fun as you used a hot iron to melt the wax. I also enjoyed tie-dyeing t-shirts and a bandana."

The CU, based at New College in Helston Road, offers anything from chess, dance and orienteering to lessons in Power Point presentations as used in the business world.

All the activities throughout the three-week university are free thanks to grants of £40,000 from Swindon Council and the Government's New Opportunities Fund.