Noah’s work will be worn by children across UK
A SQUIRREL-INSPIRED badge has won a youngster a UK-wide design competition.
Noah, nine, from St John the Baptist Primary, in Leicester, was one of 11 winners from the 116,000 pupils who entered the Wow competition from charity Living Streets.
Wow rewards children who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or park and stride to school at least once a week with collectable badges each month.
This year’s competition theme was The British Nature Walk.
Designers were invited to draw the wildlife they found in their area or draw a special memory of nature from a holiday in Britain.
Noah’s said he “drew a squirrel because I love how they can climb”, adding: “I discovered it at Knighton Park.”
He was told of his win at a school assembly this week, where he met Strider, Living Streets’ mascot, and celebrated the start of national Walk to School Week.
His prize includes a book token, a trophy and Wow goodies for his school.
The design will now been turned into one of the monthly badges to be awarded next academic year to pupils in more than 1,500 schools across the UK. Head teacher Trudie Colotto said: “St John the Baptist CofE Primary School is delighted one of our pupil’s designs was chosen to be worn by thousands of children up and down the country as they aspire to travel actively to school.
“Reducing congestion, improving health and spending time with your child means that everyone is a winner.
“Congratulations to Noah on his winning entry.”
Stephen Edwards, chief executive of Living Streets, said: “Wow is a great way to help keep children healthy and happy by encouraging them to be active every day.
“More children walking to school also means fewer cars around the school gates, making them safer and cleaner places.”
Mr Edwards added: “We were looking for engaging, fun and colourful designs that celebrated British nature and Noah’s design was one that stood out from the crowd.
“He should be very proud to have pupils across England, Scotland and Wales taking strides to get their hands on his design.”
There are 30 schools running the Wow programme in Leicester, thanks to a partnership with the city council.