PUPILS from St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School have struck gold in an award scheme which is aimed at celebrating achievements by PTAs.

The school’s PTFA is the north of England regional winner in the Changing the Life of the School category of the PTA-UK Gold Star Awards 2014.

St Wilfrid’s School will receive £500 for its PTFA, which will represent the north of England at an awards ceremony in London on June 11, where the overall winner in the category will be announced.

PTA-UK represents the biggest network of PTA fundraisers in the UK, and acts as a voice for PTAs and parents.

St Wilfrid’s entered its Young PTA into the Gold Star Awards, and Young PTA leader Sam Newey was delighted with news at the regional accolade.

“What is exciting is to be awarded such an accolade for the work the children really enjoy doing,” she said.

“To win £500 is the icing on the cake as it will enable the Young PTA to make a bigger difference in what they provide for the school this year.”

Liz Segrott, chairman of the school’s PTFA, said: “The fantastic work our young community undertake adds so much value to school life. I’m so proud of everyone for their contributions.”

Karen Wood, PTA-UK adviser for the north west, said to make it through to the national finals as one of five regional winners was “an amazing feat,” and she wished St Wilfrid’s the best in the finals.

“The Gold Star awards recognise and reward the everyday achievements of PTAs throughout the region, and it’s easy to see why the judges liked the St Wilfrid’s application,” she said.

The school has a Young PTA which originated from the children of the PTA committee.

“The children tagged along with their parents to PTA events, helping them to set up events, assisting and clearing up,” said Karen.

“They soon became known as the Young PTA, whose efforts were recognised at the end of the year with the award of medals and a public thank you as assembly.

“The Young PTA, working closely with their older counterparts, has gone from strength to strength and is now a more formal group.”

The Young PTA decides on its own fundraisers and supports the main PTA by funding something on the school’s wish list. It also supports its own charity, currently the young oncology unit at the Christie Hospital.