THE winning design for a t-shirt worn by injured soldiers and veterans at a Help for Heroes Recovery Centre has been revealed as that of Yorkshire school pupil Lily Nicholson-Hume.

Chosen from more than 50 entries from pupils at Le Cateau Primary School, Catterick, Lily’s design depicts a golden phoenix, the symbol of Phoenix House, and the slogan “Never Give Up”.

The 10-year-old said: “I just thought that even if someone has been injured, either physically or mentally, they can still do everything they want to. The phoenix on the design is rising from the ashes as if from something terrible.”

During a special school assembly, Lily was presented with her winning t-shirt as well as a host of other prizes including £40 in gift vouchers from the Art Shop Darlington and a family pass to Bolton Castle; five runners up also received prizes.

Her t-shirt will also be the centre piece of an art exhibition, held at Bolton Castle for Armed Forces weekend, where all the young artists’ efforts will be displayed.

Mark Airey, Help for Heroes Strength and Conditioning Co-ordinator and part of the judging panel, said: “Lily’s design really caught the eye immediately. It just says what we do on the tin.”

Grahame Shepherd, head teacher at Lily’s school, said about the children: “They are very aware of the work that goes on at Phoenix House and the capabilities of these young men and women who have been badly injured but can still do things beyond that. The competition has really encouraged a whole range of art and Lily’s design is brilliant.”

Come and see the exhibition

Why not take the opportunity to come and see the children’s paintings at Bolton Castle between 28 June and 11 July?

Entry is free for your soldier and, during Armed Forces weekend, the rest of your family too! Opening times are 10am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk