CHILDREN at a primary school in Rawtenstall have been victorious at the National Quilt Competition for the third year running.

St Mary's CE Primary School won the under 16 category of the Quilts UK event in May, and announced the result to children in assembly on Monday, June 20.

Staff at the Haslingden Old Road school believe the opportunity to take part in such interesting assignments is a wonderful experience for pupils.

Extended Service Manager Kate Crane said: "It's a dying art sewing and getting the chance to create something beautiful is important.

"It's fabulous. The children get so excited, there were cheers of happiness when we announced they won."

The theme of their quilt for this year was 'Then and Now' and looked at the differences between way of life, toys, and leisure from First World War until now.

The school decided on the theme for the anniversary of the war, but decided to look at other areas outside the fighting.

The quilt was created by key stage two students, and every pupil in the year groups had opportunities to be learn hand and machine sewing.

The children were taught by Jenny Kittos, who also teaches adults patchwork quilting, as well as working with pupils at the school in Rossendale.

She said: "It's absolutely wonderful, to win it three times in a row and do the hat-trick they should keep the trophy! It's very special for them.

"The children love it, they're very keen, they are already asking what we're going to be doing next year."

The school entered after Jenny previously helped her adult students with their designs for the competition and thought it would be a good opportunity for the children.

The entries are sent down to Malvern where they are judged, before the results are then announced to participants.

A different child worked on each detachable section of the quilt, and then it was all put together for the competition.

Jenny believes that St Mary's do a fantastic service to the service by seeking the necessary equipment in hard financial times to provide pupils with unique opportunities.

She added: "They really deserve a well done in general for how many extra curricular options they have on.

"It should be highly commended doing as many activities as they do, they do a tremendous amount of work."