Ian McCartney MP

Makerfield MP Ian McCartney visited pupils and staff at St Paul’s CE Primary School, Goose Green today.

Ian was present to celebrate the achievement of pupils who entered a painting competition sponsored by Ian to celebrate the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

The EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue recognises that Europe’s great cultural diversity represents an unique advantage.

The pictures submitted by pupils reflected the Europe of today with the Eiffel Tower, The London Eye, national flags and food’s associated with european countries (eg. Italy – Pizza) prominent features of the children’s paintings.

Ian wrote to schools across the Makerfield Constituency to encourage them to submit paintings. The winning entry will be Makerfield’s entry in the national competition which is organised by the European Ambassador to the EU Year of Intercultural Diversity – Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP.

Holly Atherton (Year 3) was judged the winning entry with Emma Barkley (Year 4) and Pagie Bannister (Year 2) joint runners up. Ian presented all three girls with a book token each at the morning school assembly.

Ian said, “I was very impressed with the standard of the artwork and this reflects well on the hard work of pupils and staff."

“Through the art submitted pupils have had an opportunity to explore the Europe of today and the benefits of our rich cultural heritage and the opportunity to learn from different cultural traditions."

“The children are a credit to the school, staff and parents and I was delighted to be able to join with them today."

Due to illness Emma Barkley was unable to attend school today. Ian presented Emma’s sister Lauren with the book token to give to Emma and is pictured above with Holly and Pagie.