IMAGINATIVE students at Shottermill Junior School scooped a top prize in an international children’s art and poetry competition at the Natural History Museum in London last month.

The school attended the awards ceremony as one of 15 shortlisted in the David Shepherd Wildlife Art and Poetry Competition and picked up event sponsor Michael O’Mara Books personal choice award.

Headteacher Kate Barnes said: “We took along 12 children to the presentation, who all had a wonderful day out at the impressive venue of London’s Natural History Museum.

“Shottermill Juniors are especially thrilled to have won, as part of their prize is the opportunity to adopt one of the Foundation’s elephants, named Nkala.

“I am delighted the children’s hard work and effort has finally paid off.

“After entering this competition for a number of years, we were thrilled to have picked up an award and the chance for us to really show off our talented children’s work.”

The competition, run by UK wildlife conservation charity, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, has been inspiring young artists and poets since 2004 to to express their concern for the environment and, in particular, endangered species.

“It was an outstanding shortlist this year and in my eyes everyone was a winner,” said wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd, who attended the event.