THREE students from Okehampton College have won a competition run by NHS Careers.

Roisin Quinn, Jasmyn McNamara and Jessica Loram, all aged 14, were last week announced as the South West regional winners of the annual 'Step into the NHS schools' competition.

Students were tasked with researching one of the 350 different career opportunities in the NHS and producing a CV, job description and job advertisement for their chosen role.

Roisin, from Jacobstowe, Jasmyn, from Bow and Jessica, from Drewsteignton, decided to look at the role of a child psychotherapist in the NHS.

The judges were particularly impressed by their creativity and understanding of the role in developing an animated video advert. The video advert can be viewed on http://www.youtube.com/nhscareers#p/u/2/9i7Ie_c9-h4e/">www.youtube.com/nhscareers#p/u/2/9i7Ie_c9-h4e/

Roisin, Jasmyn and Jessica were presented with their prizes of £50 Amazon vouchers by Christine Kibbey and Jane Begley, child psychotherapists at NHS Devon, during a special presentation at the school last Monday week.

Christine said: 'Young people are extremely important to the future of the NHS and it's great to know that students are aware of the wide range of opportunities that exist.

'I am delighted that the winner chose to look at the job of a child psychotherapist, as many people may not be aware of the work we do helping young people overcome stress, emotional problems, and relationship problems.'

Derrick Brett, acting principal at Okehampton College added: 'We are thrilled that our students have won this important prize. This competition has proven to be a valuable classroom tool, engaging students with the workings of the health service and the different career options available to them, whilst also building upon skills required for English.

'The hard work and effort invested in this project reflects their commitment and dedication and has a positive impact on students' learning.'

Roisin, Jasmyn and Jessica said: 'It was very exciting to win. The English lessons involved developed our skills of persuasion and helped us to realise how many careers were available in the NHS.'