PUPILS at a school near Winchester have won first prize in a regional history contest.

It was run by the website, Genes Reunited, who set a challenge for youngsters to visit their local war memorials.

The second part of their mission was to use the website to research some of the names listed on the monument.

Having judged entries from schools across Hampshire and Sussex, Sparsholt CE Primary School topped the list.

It comes after Class 4, taught by Lynn Laver, made their own memorials to some of the fallen heroes of World War I.

They were presented in colourful boxes and were enough to scoop a £500 prize for the school.

Rhoda Breakell of Genes Reunited said: “The entry from Sparsholt really stood out from the many other primary school entries.

“Because of its attention to detail and powerful imaginative content, the judges found it genuinely moving. The children are to be thoroughly congratulated.”

Head teacher Stephen Young said: “I am extremely proud for the whole school, and thrilled that the inspiration and hard work of the children and their teacher has been recognised in so generous a manner.”

The school also raised £200 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal earlier this month (November).