CREATIVE youngsters from around the borough have been rewarded after competition success.

They were taking part in this year's essay and poster competition, run locally by the SPD Trust to encourage interest in health education.

The pupils have won certificates and prizes for themselves, but also £100 for their schools. This will be spent on materials to support personal, social, health and citizenship education in the classroom.

A prize-giving ceremony was held recently at the Broad Oak Suite in Fairfield General Hospital.

The SPD Trust was established in 1996 by Dr S. A. Haider. It aims to support Bury schools in the advancement, diffusion and dissemination of knowledge.

Councillor Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "The LEA is very grateful for the generous support given by the SPD Trust since its formation. There is no doubt that the work of the trust brings benefits both to schools and their students." This year's winners are:

Key Stage 1.

Zoe Leach (of Heaton Park Primary School), Adam Rodwell (Chantlers) and Fraya Matthews (Wesley Methodist). Highly commended: Megan Slann (St Mary's RC) and Kelly Brown (Greenhill).

Key Stage 2.

Simon Close (of Christ Church Ainsworth CE Primary School), Christie Polson (Wesley Methodist) and Rebecca Thompson (St Andrew's CE, Radcliffe). Highly commended: Katie Fenton (Greenhill) and Philip Cheng (St Mary's RC).

Key Stage 3.

Saira Akram (of Coney Green High School), Clara Marcus (Tottington) and James Gillies (Woodhey). Highly commended: Emmie Hastie (Elton).

Key Stage 4.

Highly commended: Anne-Marie O'Hara (Elton High School).