Children from across the island of Ireland have attending the 17th annual Pushkin Trust Awards Day which has taken place in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.

The awards are presented to those schools whose entries met the programme’s criteria of linking creative writing to another creative art form and exploration of the environment.

The Pushkin Trust is a charity which aims to unite children, their parents and teachers, both north and south, in a common bond of creativity. The Trust concentrates its efforts in the field of education and, using professional facilitators, such as artists, focuses on the creative arts and the natural environment.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Dr Aideen McGinley said: "My Department is specifically concerned with growing our cultural capital which includes investing in and achieving success through our people. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, social background or where they live, must be encouraged to explore and enjoy their natural creativity.

"This is particularly important, in the development of our young people, to help to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. Acquiring these qualities can improve their future job prospects as employers increasingly seek out the creative skills and abilities needed for competitiveness in today’s economy. And initiatives such as the Pushkin Awards can make the difference."

The Pushkin Trust was founded in 1987 by the Duchess of Abercorn in honour of her ancestor, Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s greatest poet.

Other activities offered by the Pushkin Trust, whose events and activities are for children in the 9-13 age group, include a summer school, a summer camp, ‘Barons Court Days’ and the Partners in Education Programme.

(MB)