PUPILS at Heathland School, Accrington are celebrating their success at the Blackburn Festival of Music, Dance and Speech.

The festival, which was held at Blackburn Library, is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech.

In the Choral Speak 9 and under class, a group of 10 pupils collected first prize with a reading of two poems - Intelligence Test by Vernon Scannell and Wedding Procession by Anon. The pupils were judged on energy, enthusiasm, expression and enjoyment.

Nine year-old Chloe Butler came first in her category - Own Choice Verse Speaking - for her reading of the poem Double Trouble by June Crebbin.

Competing against other local schools, drama groups and speech groups all of the pupils from Heathland enjoyed taking part and all got scores of over 80 points.

Principal of Heathland, Janet Harrison, said: "It was a great thrill to win but it was an even greater thrill to see the enjoyment on the pupils' faces."