CHILDREN in Valley Park really love their community and they have produced poems and drawings to prove it.

Pupils at the community’s St Francis Primary School were asked by the parish council to come up with what’s good about Valley Park?

They produced some enchanting poems and pictures which went on display at Knightwood Leisure Centre, where the public voted for their favourites.

On Monday the top three received prizes from Valley Park Parish Council chairman, Alan Dowden.

The winning entry by Robert Atkinson depicted Valley Park as ‘woodlands’ and he entitled his work “Living Amongst Nature”. He received £25 worth of vouchers.

Runner-up was nine-year-old Lucy Arlow who captured Valley Park and its wildlife in her colour drawing called Beautiful Nature. Lucy was presented with a £20 voucher.

Third was Rebekah Dickinson with an eye-catching presentation entitled “Valley Park!” which included drawings and text.

Lily Chivers, William Burt, Ellie Hart and Zainab Khan were highly commended for their entries and each received £10.

All 41 who took part recived a calculator.

Congratulating the children on their work, Mr Dowden said: “I was absolutely astounded with some of the children’s work. For primary schoolchildren their work was outstanding.”

Mr Dowden said that many pupils commented on the kindness of people in the community and how friendly it is.

He was joined at the presentations by fellow parish councillor Kath Tilling and Test Valley Borough Council’s community engagement officer, Sarah-Jane Partner.

Ms Tilling said: “We were very impressed with the quality and quantity of the entries and the imaginative choice of themes, including the importance of woodland, playspace, family and friendship and the community as a whole.” Headteacher Esther Jones said of her pupils: “They are very proud of Valley Park and what is on offer for them in their local environment.”