A Fermanagh girl has been crowned one of the winners of the Department of Education Platinum Jubilee Poetry Competition.

Poppy Coalter, from Florencecourt Primary School was the winner of the pre-school and foundation stage of the competition and attended a special prize night in Parliament Buildings

The poetry competition was part of the Department’s Platinum Jubilee Education Programme, to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years as monarch.

Thousands of children and young people from around 150 schools took part in the competition. Category winners and runners up were awarded with their prizes at an event in Parliament Buildings.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Minister said: “The Platinum Jubilee Poetry Competition provided children and young people across Northern Ireland with an opportunity to create a piece of poetry themed on Queen Elizabeth II and the Jubilee celebrations.

“Our pupils and schools did not disappoint and I am delighted by the phenomenal response, which was a fitting celebration of Her Majesty’s historic reign.”

Nicola Leacock from Belfast High School was announced as overall winner, and the school will receive £1,000 to spend on resources for their pupils.

Along with their framed poem, winners and runners-up were presented with trophies and certificates by the Minister.

The Minister continued: “As well as honouring The Queen, this competition has proved to be a great way to motivate our young poets, further develop their creative skills, and showcase their talents.

“I commend each and every child who entered this competition. Each poem is unique and inspiring in its own way and the efforts of all the young people are something of which they, their families and schools can be very proud.”