Girls and their mums enjoyed some pampering and some information on a future career at a special mini-manicure day at Falmouth Primary School.

Riviera Lodge training centre, based in Penryn, has teamed up with Falmouth Primary to show the children what they do and the vocational courses they can offer in the future for the ten and 11 year olds who took part in the session yesterday afternoon.

Dawn Lanham from Riviera Lodge explained that while they have strong links with Falmouth and Penryn secondary schools, this was the first time their students had visited a primary school.

“It’s a chance for us to get to know the families and explain to the younger children what we offer and what we are about, especially if they would like to get in to beauty.”

Claire Smith, acting head of Falmouth Primary School, said that the mini-manicures would benefit the children on three fronts.

“It’s an opportunity for our girls to talk to the students and learn a bit more about hair and beauty, it helps promote good personal hygiene and it gives our girls a chance to have a good time with their mum.”

The girls and their mums took turns having manicures from the centre's beauty students, while others got to practice their hairdressing skills on mannequins.

The session certainly got the attention of Natasha who while working on her mannequin said: “I want to be a hairdresser.”

Wendy was waiting for her manicure when she said she thought that it was a great way for parents to see how their children are getting on at school.

“It’s a great way of bringing parents and children together,” she said.

“It’s also great for the school to broaden the children’s horizons and see what other opportunities are available to them.

Although no boys took advantage of the manicure sessions, both girls and boys will have a chance to try their hand at some construction and maintenance work in the near future.

Riviera Lodge Training is a vocational training centre offering a range of courses to young people, including hairdressing, beauty, construction, childcare and motor vehicle skills.