THE LONG arm of the law reached out to celebrate a young Denshaw schoolgirl’s painting in a unique competition.
The patiently-crafted art work by Grace Strafford won her a coveted prize and earned the school a £50 book voucher.
Five year old Grace, a pupil at Christ Church CE school, was voted unanimously the winner in Saddleworth’s first inter-school reception class Policeman Pete painting competition.
The event was organised by author Barbara Hegab, a mother of two, whose 12 Policeman Pete books have gained a loyal following.
Barbara, a former nurse from Denshaw, bases characters in her books on “real life” people in Saddleworth, with their roles and names changed.
She gives donations from book sales to the Blue Lamp Foundation Charity which supports all 999 personnel.
A self-publisher, Barbara said: “My books started off as a kind of diary for my own children as treasured memories of happy times to be related to future grandchildren.
“Somehow from there I have miraculously ended up with 12 books, with two more in progress for this September.”
PCs Mark Clough, Dave Pickles along with Sue Hughes, mother of murdered PC Nicola Hughes, judged up to 50 entries in the competition.
Barbara explained: “Grace’s picture was obviously drawn and coloured by herself with no help.
“She had put in all the things she could remember from four of the books and she included a rainbow which was very apt as Sue’s charity is called Chasing Rainbows.
“Picking the winner was not an easy task and the standard was vey high. I’m hoping to make this an annual event.”
PC Clough who visited the school with colleague PC John Marsden to present the prizes said: “All the children who took part can be proud of themselves.”
In addition to the school prize, Grace won a £10 book voucher and four signed Policeman Pete books.
Barbara’s books are sold online at Amazon and Waterstones. Visit her website: policemanpetebooks.co.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.