SCHOOL children in Wimborne Minster have been praised for their creativity following the results of two popular competitions hosted by the town council.

Wimborne Minster Town Council organised a poetry competition centred on D-Day and a poster competition focused on recycling and waste management.

The council said that both competitions highlighted the “remarkable talents” and social awareness of Wimborne’s youth and the council extended its “heartfelt congratulations” to all participants for their contributions.

The poetry competition received over 200 submissions.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The poems, written by talented young poets, were noted for their emotional depth, reflective nature, and sometimes hard-hitting content, showcasing the impressive creative abilities of the participants.”

READ MORE: Youngsters debate issues at first meeting of new Wimborne group

The winners were Esme James-Davis with her poem ‘A Soldier Lies’; William Grant with ‘War Night’; Henry Humphrey with ‘Operation Overlord’; and Enzo Wilson with ‘Our Time’.

All the winners attend Lockyer’s Middle School and they read their poems out on stage at Willow Walk as part of the council’s D-Day commemoration event on June 6.

In collaboration with Planet Wimborne, the poster competition aimed to raise awareness about recycling and waste management and saw more than 20 entries.

Jude Burton Y2 St John’s First School Wimborne Picture: Wimborne Minster Town Council

A council spokesperson said: “The creativity and enthusiasm demonstrated by the young artists in conveying important environmental messages were commendable.”

The winners of the poster competition were as followed:

Allenbourn Middle School: Milly Roscola and Gabi Chiole, Abigail Hartley and Poppy McIntosh (5B), Olivia Hamill and Ellie Rosa (7D).

St John’s First School: Austin Dancey (Year 4), Jude Burton (Year 2).

Colehill First School: Rex Pincroft (Year 3).

The winners received their prizes and certificates at the school council meeting on June 11 at the Town Hall.

Mayor Jeff Hart said: “It was great to see so much interest in these two competitions, reflecting the concerns and thoughts of young people on war and the environment.

“The quality of work was very high, and it was difficult to select the winners.”