CHILDREN in Wimborne got creative for a competition celebrating 75 years of the NHS.

More than 100 pupils at Hayeswood First School, Colehill First School, Allenbourn Middle School and Lockyers Middle School took part in a poster competition organised by the Friends of Victoria Hospital (FVHW).

They submitted NHS-inspired artwork for the chance to win a prize and see their work on display at the Dorset HealthCare-run community hospital, in Wimborne.

Trustees from the FVHW and hospital Matron Deborah Straw sifted through the eye-catching entries – which included drawings of hospital staff being cared for, ambulances, rainbows, birthday cakes and words reflecting the NHS workforce – before choosing the best three in first and middle school categories.

All entrants received a certificate and the best three in the first and middle school categories were awarded a trophy and book token.

Ella-Rose Hughes of Hayeswood First School, came top in the first category, while Allenbourn Middle School pair Arwenna Metcalfe and Annabelle Stickland triumphed in the latter section.

The prize-winning entry by Ella-Rose from Hayeswood First School

David Clayton-Smith, chair of Dorset HealthCare, presented the winners with a trophy, certificate and book token voucher at Wimborne Community Centre.

Following the award presentation, pupils and families enjoyed tea and cake while viewing all of the poster entries which were on display around the room.

Jeff Hart, a trustee of the FVHM, said: “We thought it was important to celebrate 75 years of the NHS and engage local children. All the entries were full of creativity and imagination. Picking the winners was very challenging. Congratulations to all who participated.”

Matron Deborah Straw added: “I was very proud to be part of this great event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

Arwenna and Annabelle from Allenbourn Middle School picked up a prize for this effort

“Working with the local schools and seeing such wonderful pictures that all the children have gone to such great effort and put so much thought into, has been heart-warming.

“We will be displaying some of the great work around the hospital to not only brighten the environment, but also to let staff know how supported and highly thought of they are by the children of our local communities.”

For more information about Victoria Hospital, visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk and to find out about the work of the Friends, visit www.friendswimbornehospital.org.uk.