A SCHOOLBOY'S way with words and passion for football has landed him and his school some useful prizes in a national competition.

Alex Richardson wrote a winning poem for BBC Radio's Together programme, which challenged primary school youngsters to write a poem entitled A Time To.

The nine-year-old's poem impressed judges who awarded him £15 of book tokens and £100 of tokens for his school, Rosa Street Primary, in Spennymoor.

Alex's poem, which is about football, now features in a literacy cassette that is used by schools across the country.

He said: "I was really pleased I had won and a bit surprised, my classmates are pleased I did well for them and my mam and dad are proud.

"I got my ideas from supporting Newcastle United and playing football."

Headteacher Colin Craggs said: "We're proud of all the year five pupils who took part, particularly Alex who won.

"I hope he enjoy his own book tokens and I know the school will put them to good use."