Local school children put their creative talents to work when challenged to come up with designs for a poster promoting the Maritime Line.

The rail connection between Falmouth and Truro celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and the competition was run as part of the commemorations planned to mark the occasion.

The competition was run by The Poly’s Local History and Research Group and inspiration for the children came from its archive of historic photographs.

Pupils from five primary schools, St Mary’s, King Charles and Marlborough in Falmouth; Kennall Vale at Ponsanooth and Penryn Junior School, took part.

The judges included Penryn’s mayor, Beverly Hulme, who said: “This was a |wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about their heritage and |demonstrate their artistic skills.

“We were very impressed by the |standard of entries and had some tough decisions to make.”

All the children who entered the |competition received certificates of |recognition and shortlisted entries will be posted on the history group’s website, www.rememberfalmouth.co.uk.

The winners were presented with their prizes during their last week at school and will be guests of honour at the private launch of the Falmouth On Track |exhibition which will run from August 19 until September 7.

At the launch, the over-all winner will be announced and will receive a prize courtesy of First Great Western and have the thrill of seeing their poster on display at railways stations across the region.

The competition was supported by Fal River Cornwall and the Big Red Bus Company, who provided prizes, and the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society.

Winners. Five to eight-year-olds: 1, Gabriel Higgins, of Marlborough; 2, Harry McIntosh and Dylan Jephcott, of Kennall Vale; 3, Charlotte Barclay, of Kennall Vale.

Eight to 11-year-olds: 1, Adam Campbell, of St Mary’s; 2, Iysha Webb, of King Charles; 3, Lilly May Turner, of Marlborough.