Four pupils from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Edwinstowe, won a writing competition set by the RSPB Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve in the village.

Carol Hallam, RSPB Sherwood Forest community and volunteer development officer, presented certificates (above) to, from left, Ava, Dylan, overall winner Harry, and Ava.

The Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest writing competition was linked to a heart-shaped trail that takes visitors from the village to the forest and pupils had to write about what they love in Edwinstowe and the forest.

The trail has clues and Harry’s work will be displayed on one of the hearts, created by the Dukeries Community Workshop.

The competition was judged by the forest’s writer in residence, Sarah Ann Juckes.

Proud winner Harry said he was pleased to be chosen as the overall winner: “My writing competition entry was about me and my friend touring Edwinstowe and showing off all of the wonderful things in our village, such as the park and High Street.

“I felt really shocked when I was announced as the winner, as I knew some of the other entries were really good too. I felt really grateful for winning £25-worth of book tokens, but haven’t decided which books to spend it on yet.”

Receiving a runner-up prize, Ava said: “I wrote about all of the things you can do and places to see. I like writing, so really enjoyed taking part.”

Dylan was also chosen as runner-up and added: “We had to write under 300 words about what you love about Edwinstowe or the forest. I wrote about the birds and the trees in the forest. The competition was for the RSPB and they look after our birds and their environment.”

Fellow pupil Ava said: “I wrote about all the things you can do in Edwinstowe too, and all of the entertainment we have here. I think we are very lucky to have so much. I love Edwinstowe and think there is so much to do here. You really don’t have to go anywhere else!”