A range of inspirational people have been celebrated as an annual contest was hailed a success.
Dozens of youngsters entered a writing competition organised by Lowestoft Town Council as part of Black History Month.
With 2022 being the second year that the town council has run a writing competition, it was open to all young people aged up to year 13 or 18-years-old who attend school in, or live in, Lowestoft.
Tasked with writing about someone who inspires them, more than 70 entries championing historical figures - such as Rosa Parks, Mary Seacole and Katherine Johnson - through to contemporary figures such as footballer Marcus Rashford, musician Lizzo and YouTuber Niko, were received.
The judging panel - made up of three Lowestoft town councillors, Lowestoft’s Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo, Sally Connick from Get Suffolk Reading and head judge Gary Harewood - were impressed with the high standard of entries.
They were particularly inspired by the overall winning entry, written by Poppy from Dell Primary School, who wrote about her Nan who is “always ready to help”.
"[My Nan] is a strong, independent woman who does so much for anyone", wrote Poppy about her "kind natured", "caring" and "mysterious" Nan.
"I hope one day I will be just like her and share her spirit".
The competition culminated on Friday, October 28, with a special presentation to the winning school and entrants at Lowestoft Library.
Mr Harewood and his wife Natasha, alongside Lowestoft’s deputy mayor Nasima Begum presented the prizes for the top entries in the year 3-6 category, awarding prizes to Poppy, Jackson, Mehmet, George, Austin and Kirushanya, and to Joel in the under year 2 category.
Each winning entrant received two books donated by Get Suffolk Reading and a £50 book token from Lowestoft Town Council with Poppy, the overall winner, walking away with a signed photo from Anthony Ogogo.
This year also saw the introduction of a new shield for the event, which was awarded to Dell Primary School.
'Everyone should be very proud'
Speaking after the event, Mr Harewood said: "Thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s competition.
"I’m looking forward to being a part of next year’s event and seeing how this competition grows".
Anthony Ogogo said: "What a lovely thing to do.
"It was amazing to see the range of inspiring black people being celebrated.
"All the entries were fantastic and I’m honoured to have been asked to take part.
"Everyone should be very proud."
Lowestoft Town Council thanked everyone who took part in this year’s competition, with all who submitted entries receiving a copy of Marcus Rashford’s book 'You are a Champion' thanks to a generous donation by Get Suffolk Reading.
The town council praised the support of Lowestoft Library and the judging panel.
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