TALENTED youngsters from the Wee County put their recital skills to the test in Alloa yesterday with poems from Scotland's national bard.

The Clackmannanshire Primary Schools Regional Brun's Competition took place on Tuesday, February 6, at St Mungo's Primary for children in P4/5 and P6/7.

The contestants came from the host school, Banchory, St Serf's Abercromby and Menstrie primaries to impress the judges from Alloa Burns Club who kindly sponsored the competition.

Just under 20 pupils took part, reciting the works of Robert Burns with judges praising the “high standard” of the entries.

After hearing all the youngsters, who were in the limelight in front of parents and carers as well as teachers, the gents from the local club decided on the winners.

Running up in the P4/5 category was Kaizie O'Hagan from Abercromby Primary, she was only beaten by Menstrie's Zoe Knox, who clinched the shield for the top performance.

Sole Banchory entrant Jake McMurdo impressed in P6/7 to take second place; receiving the trophy for first place was Alistair Carrigan from Abercromby in Tullibody.

The council wanted to thank all pupils, staff, parents and carers for their support and for taking part in the competition.

Hats off to Alloa Burns Club Secretary Duncan Sloan for his assistance in planning the event as well as the club in general for judging and sponsoring the competition.

It would not have been a true Burns event without the sound of bagpipes – thanks also go to student Finlay Rowe for sharing his musical talents.

Mrs N Wood and Mrs J Rowe, head and principal teachers respectively at St Mungo's, also received praise for hosting the event and for their support throughout the planning process.