STAFF and pupils at Leonard Stanley Primary School welcomed back former secretary Pat Gunnell and her husband John to judge and present prizes for the annual poetry recital competition.

Pat has been returning to the school year after year since 2001 to award the special shield, which she presented to the school upon her retirement.

"The standard gets higher and higher each year," said Pat.

A selection of poetry books were awarded to each runner-up with Tiaan Litton in Year 3 winning overall.