YOUNGSTERS at Kirkburton Middle School have seen first- hand the benefits of collecting tokens to win a slice of £11,000.

Once again, we are encouraging pupils, their neighbours, family and friends to get involved with the Examiner’s Schools – Collect for Cash giveaway.

Pupils at the Kirkburton school have been enjoying better break times as a result of their efforts.

And their message is get involved with this great scheme!

Last year schools in our area used their winnings to pay for all sorts of things, including play equipment, wildlife gardens and school trips.

Students at the Turnshaws Avenue school have been collecting vouchers for the competition ever since it began in 2008.

In 2009, they collected enough vouchers to win the top award of £2,000.

The money was handed over to the school council and students were asked how they wanted to see it spent.

They wanted something to liven up playtime and decided on giant play equipment.

The outdoor space has now been totally transformed with the children having a ball challenging each other to fun games like chess, draughts, Connect 4 and hoopla.

The use of equipment is organised at lunchtimes by the school’s Young Sports Leaders has been enjoyed by many of the students since its purchase.

Angela Law, from the school, said: “The equipment has made a massive difference to pupils’ break times.

“Before there was nothing much for them to do outside and they would stand around or sit together in groups but now they’ve got these fun activities to get involved with.

“We’ve got a collection card in each classroom so the students can see how many tokens they are collecting.

“They’re hoping to collect enough vouchers again this year to qualify for another cash reward and are already considering their next purchase!

“I would definitely encourage people to get involved with the scheme. It’s a brilliant idea, the school benefits and all the children benefit.”

To be in with a chance of the school of their choice receiving a share of the cash people need to collect as many tokens as they can from the Examiner and through our community website myExaminer.

The Examiner is once again working with Barclays to make a huge difference to the town’s schools and communities. Marie Morris, community investment manager at Barclays, said: “By working hard to invest our skills, time, money and expertise in real community issues, we’re able to create a stronger society for us all to live and work in.

“We don’t just donate money – we get involved and see projects through using the energy, passion and commitment of our people.”

The Schools – Collect for Cash tokens will be appearing in the newspaper every day until Saturday, February 19.

Just cut them out and drop them into your local school or the Examiner office.

Virtual tokens can also be collected online every day by visiting www.examiner.co.uk/myexaminer.

Schools with the highest number of tokens will win £2,000 (first), £1,000 (second) and £500 (third).

Schools with the highest number of tokens per pupil will win £2,000 (first), £1,000 (second) and £500 (third).

Schools with the best

Barclays will judge schools with the best suggestions of how they can promote financial education to pupils. Again there are three prizes – £2,000 (first), £1,000 (second) and £500 third.

All schools that have collected at least 100 tokens and have not won a main prize will be entered into a draw to win £500.

Once tokens have been collected they need to be submitted to the school or the Examiner office at Queen Street South, Huddersfield, HD1 3DU.

All tokens must be received by the Examiner before 5pm on Friday, Marsh 4.

For more information on collecting tokens for schools visit www.examiner.co.uk/schools.

There are 41 schools taking part in this year’s challenge. Here is the full list: Greenside Infant and Nursery, Almondbury Junior, Lepton CE J I & N, Holmfirth High, Netherhall Learning Campus High, Wooldale Junior, Honley Infant and Nursery, Rawthorpe St James I & N, Clough Head J & I, Linthwaite Ardron CE(A) Junior and Infant, Netherton Infant & Nursery, Helme CE (VA) J & I, Golcar J I & N, The Mirfield Free Grammar, Wilberlee J & I, WellhouseJ and I, Moor End Technology College, Shepley First, Farnley Tyas CE First, Hade Edge J & I, Cumberworth First, Kirkheaton Primary, Lindley Junior, Linthwaite Clough J I & Early Years, Castle Hill School, Meltham Moor Primary, Kaye’s First & Nursery, Roberttown CE (C) J & I, St Aidans CE (VA) First, Grange Moor Primary, Hollybank School, Nields J I & N, Thurstonland Endowed (VC) First, Kirkburton CE First, Scissett CE (A) First, Dalton School, Upperthong Junior, Highburton CE (C) First, Honley CE Junior, Rowley Lane J I & N.