AN imaginative eight-year-old has won £1,000 for her school with the help of two Granny Smith apples, some raisins, radishes, liquorice and a baguette.

Charlotte Townsend, a pupil at Lainesmead Primary School, turned them into an aeroplane and a character called Captain Crunch Pilot.

And she scooped top prize in a national design an apple character competition sponsored by Le Crunch Apples.

Charlotte's effort also won a treat for her family she, her three-year-old brother, mum Julie and dad Mark, are now off on a trip to Disneyland in Paris in June as part of the prize.

"We're proud of Charlotte," said headteacher Jeanette Turner.

"She's a very creative child.

"The school council has decided to spend the money on some play equipment and science equipment."

The Townsend family were guests of honour at a healthy eating show at the school on Monday.

"Charlotte's Captain Crunch pilot is a stunning example of how apples can be used imaginatively," said Jacques Vanoye, the president of the French Apples Marketing Commission.

"And it proves that fruit can be more fun than junk food."

Le Crunch has been running a healthy eating and exercise programme aimed at primary schools since 2001.

It focuses on encouraging children to eat more apples as part of a balanced diet.

Charlotte was one of four children from Lainsmead School who entered the competition.