CREATIVE pupils were presented with prizes by Stroud MP Neil Carmichael for their artwork which will adorn a new railway footbridge.

Youngsters from Archway and Stroud High School created artwork which is now being displayed at the footbridge in Beard’s Lane.

An artwork competition was run as a collaboration between Network Rail and Carillion to find budding artists to paint or draw scenes depicting the importance of the railway in the Stroud area.

Mr Carmichael judged the winning entries which were submitted by Stroud High School’s Liberty Travis and Archway School’s Rosie Huggins.

Speaking at the award ceremony on Monday, Mr Carmichael said: “I am delighted to present these awards to Rosie and Liberty for their brilliant artwork, and am encouraged by the standard of all of the artwork here.

“These pictures show the importance of rail in our past, present and future, which is why the Government continues to invest in the UK rail network as part of the long-term economic plan.”

Recognising the need to ensure pupil safety near the railway, Mr Carmichael began campaigning for the bridge when he was head of governors at Marling School, and has continued his campaign since being elected to Parliament in 2010.

He regularly uses the bridge during his walk to and from Stroud station when he makes his way to Westminster.

The new bridge is part of a larger programme of significant investment in rail travel by the Government, which includes the £45 m secured by Mr Carmichael and the other county MPs for the redoubling of the Stroud-Swindon railway line, ensuring an improved service between Cheltenham and Swindon, and on to London.