THE winners of Altrincham Rotary Club’s annual schools competition claimed their prizes at Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham last week.

Both Bollin Primary School and Oldfield Brow Primary School in Altrincham received certificates for helping to raise awareness of the Rotary Club's efforts to eradicate polio around the world.

The schools are part of the Rotary “purple4 polio” eradication scheme, which has been running since 1985.

The schoolchildren were given crocus corms to plant last November, to support the rotary club’s polio fundraising efforts.

When the crocuses flowered, each child was asked to draw a picture. Schools then selected their favourites which were then put on public display in Altrincham Library.

The public were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite, and Bollin School and Oldfield Brow primary schools scooped the prizes.

Julie Howitt, Y1 teacher at Bollin School, said: “All the pupils were winners and the standards were so high this year.

"We'd like to thank Altrincham Rotary Club for putting this competition  together and we look forward to participating again in the future.”

Messenger Newspapers:

New Altrincham Rotary Club president Barry Besbrode, with wife (and honorary Rotarian) Stephanie.

Altrincham Rotary Club also announced the appointment of a new president at the event.

Barry Besbrode took over the office of president in July. Married with three children and six grandchildren, Mr Besbrode has been a Rotarian for over 40 years.

He was previously Rotary president in his home town of Nottingham, before he and his wife Stephanie moved to Altrincham five years ago.

Mr Besbrode said he joined Altrincham Rotary Club because "it seemed to be a friendly group which got involved with the local community in various schemes".

He said: “As an active club, we get involved with the local community and can be seen in many places. I am looking forward to having new members join and a fun year bringing service to the community”.