Beaulieu student Charlotte de George and her design with sister Diane Rolland Picture: DAVID FERGUSON (00995007)

SCHOOLGIRL Charlotte de George has won a poster competition run by the Dermatology Department at the Hospital.

The department ran the Sun Safety competition as a way of raising awareness among schoolchildren of the danger of ultraviolet rays.

Beaulieu pupil Charlotte’s poster depicted the sun shining on a palm tree with a number of important warnings. It showed the risks that come with sun exposure and highlighted the importance of protection against the sun’s rays.

Charlotte (11) said: ‘I chose my design because the sun is nice and big and stands out. And the bright colours make it eye-catching. I kept the wording short because you need to get the message across quickly.’

Charlotte did not expect to win the competition, so was delighted when she heard the news. ‘I am over the moon. I don’t usually win things, so I’m very happy – and my family are happy for me, ’ she said.

Students were encouraged to design a poster which could be used in the department that best depicted the dangers involved, encouraging people to take precautions. St Lawrence resident Charlotte said: ‘Our skin doesn’t like the sun’s rays, so we have to make sure we are well protected.’

Teacher Bernadette Cooper was pleased for her pupil and said: ‘The topic of sun safety was well received by the girls and the posters they made were all excellent. I’m delighted that Charlotte has won the first prize.’

The competition was organised by Sister Diane Rolland from the Dermatology Department, who said: ‘This is our tenth anniversary and we decided to run the competition to get the message of sun safety across to teenagers, as they are the hardest to influence. We saw this as a good way to get people to take notice.

‘There were a number of fantastic entries but Charlotte’s stood out. It has a simple message and contained all the important information. The bright and vibrant colours work well, as they make it very noticeable.’

Charlotte’s winning entry is now on display in the Dermatology Department at the General Hospital.

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