Schoolchildren win prize for suffragette work

A group of schoolchildren have won a prize for celebrating the life and legacy of a pioneer suffragette.

The children from Altham St James' Primary School in Accrington in Lancashire impressed the judges with a presentation on Lydia Becker who grew up in the town.

Becker spent her childhood at Moorside House in Altham.

The children, who had been competing against other local schools, won a visit to see the Houses of Parliament and the Millicent Fawcett statue, where Becker is also commemorated along with others who supported women's suffrage.

The children gave a presentation to Hyndburn Council officials and Kelly-Ann Groves, who now lives in Becker's former home.

The Altham St James pupils dressed as Becker in period costume and made artwork of her botany flowers and Moorside House. They also made placards.

Council head of policy Kirsten Burnett said: "It has been fantastic to see how enthusiastic the children have been throughout the project.

"Watching their presentations, it was clear just how much they have learned over recent weeks and how deeply Lydia Becker's story has resonated with them."

Groves said the winners "especially made a real effort" to dress up in the right costumes for the era.

"And the child who played Lydia in their play was actually called Lydia, which the judges thought was a great idea," she said.

Headteacher Carol Woods said the workshops had been "amazing".

"The children are so excited, it's great for them just to take part, but to be announced as the winners is the icing on the cake," she said.

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