Taunton Schoolgirl Wins Top Prize In Diamond Jubilee Truck Design Competition

Taunton primary school pupil Talia Bird has won the top prize in our Diamond Jubilee design competition, run in partnership with the Somerset County Gazette.

Talia, ten, of Wellsprings Primary School, got to see her design, pictured, blown up in size and driven to her school in front of classmates last week.

Talia won £100 for herself and £250 for her school, and will later be presented with a large scale model of the truck.

Her winning design was a colourful entry featuring the Union Flag, diamonds, the Queen's head and a twist of green.

On Thursday last week, pupils at Wellsprings cheered when the Viridor business waste collection lorry, bearing the number plate V60 HRH, turned into the school.

Talia, watched by proud family members, said: "I was really excited when I heard I had won – I love drawing."

Richard Jenkins, South West regional director for Viridor, said: "Congratulations to Talia and Wellsprings.

"The lorry's routes have been set up so it tours the county and as many people as possible can see Talia's design.

"Well done to the runners-up and everyone who took part - you made it a very difficult competition to judge due to the high standard of entries.

"If you spot the truck, wave at the driver and you tweet us on @ViridorUK #JubileeTruck"

The competition was supported by some of Viridor's regional suppliers including Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS), Volvo Truck and Bus and KBS Signs who transformed Talia's design from an A4 piece of paper onto the truck.

VWS Managing Director, Julian Glasspole said: "The competition has been so popular with local schools and a great way for the children to showcase their artistic skills. The winning design is very well thought out and a perfect fit for the vehicle. We particularly like the green union jack, which cleverly conveys the recycling message."

Noah Williams, eight, of St John and St Francis Primary School, Bridgwater, Kirsten Jolly, 11, of the Taunton Academy, and Katie Ashman, 11, of Dulverton Middle School, who lives in Minehead, were the three runners-up in the contest, which was open to schoolchildren aged 16 and under.