SCHOOLGIRLS who have been named regional winners of a national NHS poster competition are now interested in a career in the health service. 

Emily Solomon and Georgia Thompson from English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool are the North-East winners of its Step into the NHS national schools' contest.

The teenagers produced a mock job advertisement to recruit more midwives which impressed judges.

Louise Grocott, from NHS Careers and Gail Lang, a midwife from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, visited the school to present the students with their prize of a £50 Amazon voucher each.

Emily said: "We looked at the role of a midwife as we wanted to learn more about what people do in this role and how they help care for new born babies and their mothers.

Georgia added: "We have learnt a lot about the day-to-day work of a midwife and are seriously considering a job in the NHS when we finish school.”

Mr Michael Lee, Headteacher at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, added: “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.”