WINNERS of a schools poster competition have gathered together to see their work unveiled at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven.
Sophie Messenger from Bookwell School scooped first prize with her colourful creation. Bookwell School was awarded £250 which will be spent on books focusing on child wellbeing and mental health. Sophie also won a family cinema pass.
Runners up were Alfie Waters from St James School, Millom, and Danny Carr from Jericho School, Whitehaven. Both were awarded a family cinema pass. The prizes were presented by Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland.
The competition, sponsored and organised by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, was part of a First Aid programme (Little Lifers) which taught the pupils lifesaving skills.
The programme, which teaches primary school children basic first aid skills, as well as how to deal with emergency first aid situations, is run by local entrepreneur, Natalie Groggins, through her company Little Lifers First Aid.
Russell Hardy, Head Teacher at Bookwell School, said: “We were thrilled to hear that Sophie, in Year 5, had won first prize and delighted that the school would also receive a prize. Little Lifers was really worthwhile and gave them an insight in basic first aid. We now ensure every child in school receives age appropriate first aid training each year.”
Natalie Groggins, Adult and Paediatric First Aid Instructor, Little Lifers First Aid Ltd, said: “I’m extremely passionate about first aid.
“Children have incredible memory retention and I really believe that by teaching children from a young age, we are enabling them to learn lifesaving skills they can develop in later years.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to our winners Sophie, Danny and Alfie for their fantastic efforts with their first aid posters.”
Pupils from Bookwell Primary School, Egremont, and Jericho Primary School, Whitehaven, also benefited from a bespoke history session on the day. Alan Gillon, the museum’s learning officer, took the children on a visual journey through the ages focusing on health and safety in times gone by. The session included details of the startling safety issues for children who worked in the nearby mines.
Gillian Johnston, Community Engagement Advisor at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure said: “It’s wonderful to see how well the children engage in these workshops, the feedback from schools, parents and children has been extremely positive. This programme has proved so successful and it is a real honour to be involved. Congratulations to all that took part in the competition.”
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “I was delighted to hand over the prizes to the incredibly creative pupils who were responsible for the colourful poster designs.
“It’s fantastic to see organisations like Morgan Sindall Infrastructure get involved in their local community and help teach the children these lifesaving skills. Congratulations to all involved.”
