A GROUP of students has won a competition celebrating the work of NHS staff.

The four, from Ian Ramsey CofE School, in Stockton, impressed judges with their research into the role of a midwife.

Jess Robinson, 14, Andy O'Brien, 14, Hollie Hannah, 13, and Jess Smith, 13, were announced as joint national winners of the annual Step into the NHS schools' competition.

The judges were impressed by their creativity and understanding of the role in developing a range of materials, including an innovative advertising campaign using a milk bottle to promote midwifery as a career choice to young people.

The students were presented with netbook computers by midwives Becky Eggleston and Gail Lang from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, during a presentation at the school.

The group said: "We chose midwifery because it is one of the most important roles - caring for babies and their mothers."

Headteacher Janet Wilson said: "We are thrilled our students have been selected as joint national winners. This is the second consecutive year that we have won the competition, which has once again proved very popular with our students."