Every year for the past 20 years all the students in Year 8 at John Kyrle High School have been encouraged to take part in the Lions competition for a Peace Poster. The winners then go forward to a regional competition before being judged nationally and internationally.

This year about 250 students took part and the entries which were highly commended are all on display in Ross Library. On Tuesday, January 9th the winners, their families and friends were joined by the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Nigel Gibbs, members of the Lions Club and the head of the Art department at the school, Kelly Davies, for a presentation at the Library.

Ms Davies explained that taking part in the competition means the students start all kinds of conversations about what peace means. She said that there are very strict rules they have to obey, including no use of words but this has led to the students talking about their thoughts and feelings, especially in light of the current climate in the world.

Jenny Symmington, the chair of Ross Lions said that there was so much talent on show that it had been a struggle to choose a winner. However the judges agreed that the winning poster was created by Jacob Bluett, who said he was inspired by street artist Banksy. Jacob was presented with a trophy by the Lions and the Mayor also presented cheques to Jacob and to Leo Wadley, who came second and asked for congratulations to be passed on to third placed Charlotte Water who was unable to attend the presentation.