A TEN-year-old girl from Hatfield Heath Primary School has taken first place in a poster competition. Tamara Willoughby scooped the prize when her artwork was picked out by judges from more than 200 entries submitted by year six pupils across the Uttlesfo

A TEN-year-old girl from Hatfield Heath Primary School has taken first place in a poster competition.

Tamara Willoughby scooped the prize when her artwork was picked out by judges from more than 200 entries submitted by year six pupils across the Uttlesford district.

"I was very excited. I heard I had won but was asked to keep it a secret," she said, "and that was a hard thing to do."

The competition was held as part of Essex Police's youth campaign and sponsored by Essex Police and Waitrose in Saffron Walden.

Tamara won a Christmas hamper and a digital camera for her school, and a £20 WHSmith voucher for herself.

Her poster design will also be printed and used by Essex police next year over the Halloween and Bonfire period to help remind children to keep safe.

"I've never had anything published before and I'm really looking forward to seeing my design displayed everywhere. I won't be able to stop myself from pointing it out to everyone," she added.

Headmaster, John Clement, said: "We were delighted to hear that Tamara had won.

"It is an excellent way to get the important keep safe message across to the pupils.