A YOUNG songwriter has received the acclaim of her school after penning the winning ditty in a competition to mark the opening of a junior extension.

Jane Williamson, ten, from Polam Hall School, Darlington, took the contest's top prize with Millennium Song, based around life at the school and the values of respecting, helping and caring for others. The lyrics have been set to music by music department teacher Liz Meffen.

Jenny Whiteman, also ten, was runner-up in the contest.

Junior headteacher Angela Foster said: "The girls, particularly those in the junior school, are very proud of the new extension and the facilities it brings to the school. Jane's song certainly struck a chord with the judges, and we are all looking forward to hearing it sung for the first time in the presence of our invited audience at the official opening.