Last updated 13:53, Thursday, 08 January 2009

A SOUTH Lakeland pupil had a surprise visitor to her school assembly to reward her for writing an inspirational poem.

BOOK PRIZE: Lakes Aquarium mascot, Oscar, presents Celeste Houghton with the Michaela Strachan signed trophy and vouchers

Ten-year-old Celeste Houghton, of Windermere’s St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, was greeted by mascot Oscar the Otter after being named winner of the Lakes Aquarium Prose and Conservation competition.

Celeste’s poem, Where have the stars gone?, was selected by 2007 South Cumbria Poet Laureate, Maggie Norton, as the most inspirational entry in the set theme of If it disappeared.

The competition, part of National Book Week, encouraged children to think about the environment and the importance of conserving the Lakes’ natural beauty.

Oscar the Otter, from the Newby Bridge-based aquarium, presented Celeste with an inflatable trophy signed by TV wildlife presenter, Michaela Strachan, and a £50 WH Smith voucher.

Adam Wilson, 11, of Barrow, was runner-up and won a £15 book token.

Lakes Aquarium marketing manager, Cathy Burrows, said: “We received some touching poems that communicated the real passion children have for the natural environment. We are sure that today’s youngsters will do all they can to conserve the natural assets of Cumbria.”

The presentation took place in November.