This week we take a look back at the news from 2002.

The Chronicle’s July issues featured youngsters from Reading who gave electrifying performances at the town’s first Youth Dance Festival.

Shoppers at The Oracle were treated to the free show at the Riverside, which saw break dancers from the Rising Sun Arts Centre, young people from Hugh Faringdon School, Reading College and the Berkshire Youth Dance Company, and professional Trinidadian dancers Metamorphosis wow audiences with their high energy performances.

Also that month, Kathryn Williams, then 11, from Caversham, strapped on her running shoes to raise money for her old brownie pack.

She took part in the Reading mini marathon to raise £150 for the 5th Caversham Brownies.

In other news, third year pupils at St John’s Schools in Newtown learnt how to stay healthy getting a visit from community nurses who highlighted ways of keeping fit, and discussed diet and general health with the youngsters.

Children in East Reading got into the Tour de France spirit when they took part in a sponsored bike ride to raise money for their preschool – Crescent Under Fives, based at Alfred Sutton School.

They raced around their playground to raise enough money to renovate their garden.

The same month saw Woodley’s Southlake Infant School pupils enjoy a party to mark its 40th birthday.

Children, teachers and governors were at the Hearn Road school for rodeo rides, bouncy castles, go-carts and a coconut shy.

They also enjoyed a Punch & Judy puppet show.