Entries flood in for schools' writing competition

And William Brookes School at Much Wenlock achieved a clean sweep in the section for secondary schools, with its pupils taking all three prizes.

Over 430 entries were received for the Friends' third annual literacy competition aimed at children aged from seven to 13 at local schools. It was the best entry so far in the history of the competition.

Jim Clarke, vice chair of the Friends, said: “We established this competition three years ago to promote an interest amongst young people in the history of the Gorge by using some of the fabulous photographic resources held by the museum while also offering local schools the opportunity to extend their work on literacy.”

Geraldine King, past chair of the Friends, said: “The success of the initiative can be judged by both the increase in entries and standards reached each year – the three years of the competition have produced over 1,000 entries and this year we were ‘awash’ with them.”

David de Haan, who chairs the Friends, said: “I was impressed by the variety and imagination shown by the pupils.

"All credit must go to them as well as to their teachers and parents for the support and encouragement offered.

"The Friends exist to support the museum through activities that range from volunteering to fundraising and the competition is but another example of the Friends at work, this time involving younger members of the community.”

Prize winners were - primary schools (Key Stage 2): first prize, Amalie Maynard (Morville Primary School); 2 Megan Hunter (Hollinswood Primary School); 3 Thomas Morby (Hollinswood Primary School).

Secondary schools (Key Stage 3): first prize, Rose Green (William Brookes School); 2 Archie Jones (William Brookes); 3 Lauren Fennell (William Brookes)

The winning prizes were book tokens to the value of £15, £10 and £5 respectively.

The winning entries will be on display in the Toll House on the Iron Bridge up to July 27. The Toll House is open daily between 10am and 4pm with free entry.