A PLAYGROUND snapshot taken by a teacher at a local primary school has earned a place in the history books - thanks to a competition run by BBC television.

Vivien Cocker's picture of reception class pupils at Halsnead Primary in Whiston during their first week at school beat 2,000 other entries to win first prize in the education category of a Millennium Photogaph competition organised by the BBC North West Tonight programme.

Now the photo, taken during a playtime when Mrs Cocker was on duty, will be made into postcards and will become part of an exhibition on the North West to reflect life in the region.

Vivien was amazed to win. She said: "I was taking many shots, both in and out of the classroom, of the children's first week at school as a record for parents and later for an exhibition.

"I like it because it shows how happy the children are and how happy they seem all doing different activities. I never thought for one minute that my shot would win. The whole school is excited about it."

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