Ulidia writer wins prize for anti-bullying views

Matthew Johnston, Ulidia Integrated College, is congratulated on his creative writing by Ursula Henderson, Translink; Lee Kane, Regional Anti-Bullying co-ordinator NIABF; Dr Noel Purdy, chair of NIABF and Katrina Godfrey, deputy secretary Department of Education. INCT 47-792-CON

Matthew Johnston, from Larne, won the senior creative writing category of the Anti-Bullying Week Creative Competition.

The 14-year-old Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, pupil was presented with his prize at the awards ceremony in Belfast.

The competition, which attracted almost 3000 entries, provides a channel for individuals to tell a story or convey their views on how bullying should be tackled,

Anti-Bullying Week is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum and supported by Translink.

Dr Noel Purdy, chair of NIABF, said: “We’ve been delighted by the response to this year’s anti-bullying art, creative writing and movie competition, which provides a channel for young people to tell us their views on bullying and how it should be tackled.

“There has been such a diverse range of entries submitted, each showing the great thought that went in to it. All the pieces are important as they are individual and unique to the person that created them. I would like to thank everyone who has spent time on preparing an entry. Your work will be shared with a large number of people and I’m sure they will find it as inspiring as I have.”