Rota Kids at Parkfield Primary School

President of Middleton Rotary Club, Keith Trinnaman, presenting children at Parkfield Primary School with their Charter Certificate for forming a Rota Kids Club at the school

Middleton Rotary Club's new President for 2014/15, Keith Trinnaman, had the delightful 'first duty as President' of presenting children at Parkfield Primary School with their Charter Certificate for forming a Rota Kids Club at the school.

Rota Kids is a fairly new initiative within Rotary International whereby children aged between eight and 11 form a 'mini' Rotary Club and are sponsored by a parent club, Middleton Rotary Club.

The Rota Kids make a pledge, which is 'As a Rota Kid I promise - To be fair to all; To serve my community; To show respect for others'.

They will meet at least once a school term, and under the guidance of their Rotary sponsor formulate their own plans to help serve in the community and eventually further afield.

Already the Rota Kids of Parkfield have been raising awareness of the plight of Polio sufferers by selling silk crocii and raising £21 for the cause.

They have also donated cuddly toys, many of which will be sent to President Keith's chosen charity for the year, The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

President Keith said: "It really is fantastic that children of this age are willing to get involved in the kind of work that Rotary are trying to fulfill, it will be a fantastic partnership that we can promote, and as a result many people in the community are definitiley going to benefit. It is going to be a very fruitful link up with Parkfield Primary School."

Mark Kemp, deputy head at Parkfield, said: "This is a real great opportunity for the children involved in Rota Kids to promote the wonderful work that Rotary get involved in and it will bring a real sense of achievement to the children of what can be done to help others."