A competition for Douglas students to create a design for replacement lamppost banners on Douglas promenade attracted 131 entries and has resulted in a joint first prize being awarded to three Ballakermeen High School students. Organised by Douglas Borough Council’s Community Events Sub-Committee the competition was launched earlier this year against the background of the Isle of Man hosting the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games and London the Olympic Games in 2012. Students from Ballakermeen High School, St Ninian’s High School and Isle of Man College were invited to create a design with a sporting and Manx heritage theme for the replacement lamppost banners which measure 1.6m high and 60cm wide (5’3 x 1’11) and are to be suspended some 6.1m (20’) above the pavement. The competition was sponsored by Barclays Wealth and supported by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games’ organising committee, with the bank’s James Collier and the committee’s Helen Simpson joining the sub-committee members on the judging panel. At a prize presentation at Douglas Town Hall on Friday May 6, His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ritchie McNicoll JP., commented on the outstanding level of response and standard of designs, adding: ‘All the designs were of the highest quality and a great demonstration of the creative talent of young local people.’ Such was the quality of entries two winning designs were chosen, one by 12-year-old Joy Godwin, the other a joint entry by Saskia Caley and Megan Rossiter, both 13. The designs each attracted a ?200 cash prize awarded by the Council and a trophy sponsored by Barclays Wealth. Prizes of Barclays Wealth gift packs were awarded to Isle of Man College students Jamie Kennedy, 19, John Carney, 16 and Anya Jackson, 18 who took third, fourth and fifth places respectively. Council Leader Councillor David Christian JP echoed His Worship’s comments, saying: ‘Given the high standard of entries it was a challenge for the judges to arrive at a decision, but the two winning designs are inspired interpretations of the design brief. The two designs have now been made into banners to be erected on alternate lampposts the length of the promenade and serve as a unique and colourful welcome to Douglas.’ Councillor Christian added that subject to the permission of the students concerned a number of other designs submitted may be used for future Council promotional material. ENDS