A SCHOOL in Droitwich received a visit from a Paralympic footballer after winning the regional round of a charity art competition.

Children at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School were celebrating their success in the competition to raise awareness for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) which raises awareness of rare childhood eye cancer retinoblastoma.

Paralympic blind footballer and judo practicioner for Team GB, Darren Harris came to the school to present the children with their prize of art supplies for doing so well in the competition, creating a piece of artwork focussed on the theme of eyes.

Joy Felgate, chief executive of CHECT, said: “Well done to St Joseph’s – their design was well thought out and very colourful.

“We are delighted with the response to the competition and the awareness of this life threatening cancer which has been raised by all those who took part.

Retinoblastoma occurs in children under the age of six so it is vital that parents of young children are aware of the signs of this devastating disease to ensure a swift diagnosis is carried out and early treatment received.”

The competition was judged by a former Beano illustrator Daniel Pincham-Phipps, and staff from Vision Express.

Mr Pincham-Phipps, added: “I was touched by the amazing efforts of the children’s artwork, and the differences in how each child represented the competition brief and their understanding of CHECT’s work. Art is naturally creative and can open up anyone’s imagination and awareness.”

The school was one of 15 regional winners in the competition, with their winning entry in the 5-7 age group was of a colourful design of an eye made from patterns and shapes.