CHILDREN from a Haverfordwest school beat pupils from across the country to win the final of the National Schools Liaison Core Programme Quiz 2014.

The National final took place in the Copthorne Hotel, Cardiff. The four teams competing for the national trophy were the successful regional winners from each of the Welsh force areas.

They were Caldicot Comprehensive School, representing Gwent, Dwryfelin Comprehensive School, representing South Wales, Sir Thomas Picton School, representing Dyfed Powys and Ysgol Y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay, representing North Wales.

Each of these teams comprised of five, year eight pupils, who have devoted considerable time and effort in learning information about the three main themes of the Core Programme: Drug and Substance Misuse, Social Behaviour and Community and Personal Safety.

During the quiz, hosted by Kevin Johns, from Swansea Sound Radio, the teams answered questions on, drugs and substances, antisocial behaviour, arson reduction, personal safety, road safety, health issues, ages in law and were also tested on their powers of observation.

Tension mounted as the rounds progressed with all the teams only having a few points between them at the start of the final round. At the end of round six, everyone waited in anticipation for the final score to be announced. Kevin John then confirmed the winning school as Sir Thomas Picton School from Haverfordwest with an overall score of 62.

All the participants received a plaque and certificate presented by Mr Alun Michael, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales. As an extra surprise and thank you for all the pupils’ hard work they were presented with an iTunes voucher and the winning school received a HP Laptop with software and case from G4S Group 4 Securicor.

As an extra treat the next day the teams were involved in a visit to Cardiff Gate Fire Service Training Centre and Techniquest, before travelling back to their home areas.

Linda Roberts, All Wales School Liaison Core Programme Co-ordinator said: “The success of this event is based on effective partnership. Therefore, I would like to thank the Fire and Rescue Service for their commitment as without their support, this event would not be possible. I would also like to thank our other partners in this venture who have contributed time and effort to make this evening a success, specifically, Healthy Schools, Road Safety Wales, the Welsh Internet Safety partnership WISP, Crime stoppers, and BRfm Ltd.” Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “My congratulations go to Sir Thomas Picton for winning but also to the other teams who took part. Engaging with young people in this way will enable them to discover important information about their personal safety, the dangers of substance misuse and good social responsibility. I am also very grateful to those who have organised and supported the competition.”

The team members of Sir Thomas Picton School, were: Ashwin Gunasekaran, Sophie Layton, Tom Long, Elizabeth Rowland and Euan Mc Sweenay.