A NINE-year-old girl has scooped a wildlife prize for her school.

Olivia Strickley of Matchborough First School Academy designed the winning bee-related poster in a competition run by Redditch Lions and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. The prize is a family membership for Olivia and the creation of a pollen-rich patch for the school.

Debs Richardson Bull, education officer for the trust, said: "We were delighted to be able to help out Redditch Lions with their annual poster competition.

"Thanks to a donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, we were able to produce a booklet to help teachers help their students to discover more about how to help these declining insects.

"Children were then encouraged to design a poster to raise awareness of the plight of bees. The shortlisted entries were exhibited in Redditch library throughout May so the public could vote for their favourite."

Redditch Lions are part of an international network of clubs who work within their local communities to help organisations and individuals in need.

Redditch Lions are very active and organise social events and fundraising activities.

They teamed up with the county’s largest conservation charity to help raise awareness of the importance of wildlife to the health and wellbeing of people and communities.

Elizah Barnes, year four teacher at Matchborough First School Academy, said: "We had a great time learning all about bees, all the children were really engaged with researching the flying insects.

"The children used their creativity while also producing informative posters about bees. We are thrilled that one of our children’s posters was the winning design; well done to Olivia.

"We’re really looking forward to having a pollen-rich patch created in the school grounds as it will further enhance the outdoor learning we do at our school. It will also allow us to continue to help, and raise awareness of, these fascinating creatures."

For more information on the trust see worcswildlifetrust.co.uk.