ZOUCH Primary School in Tidworth has won a £2,000 BT Schools Award.

The school, one of 240 winners chosen from more than 950 entries, will now use the money to fund its own community project, helping pupils involved develop their communication skills and participate in active citizenship.

After the projects have been completed in July this year, the best three will be chosen and the schools will become national winners, earning themselves an extra £10,000.

BT launched the Schools Awards last September (2003) to inspire teachers and pupils to become more actively involved in their communities. All UK schools were invited to submit an application form detailing how they would spend the money on running a project that addressed citizenship issues such as challenging stereotypes, celebrating diversity and protecting the environment.

The judging panel, which comprised representatives from BT and a local headteacher, looked for proposals that showed a passion for citizenship and would positively enhance young people's attitudes, experiences and communication skills so that they could become active and responsible citizens.

Zouch Primary School's project aims to improve the experience of playtimes for pupils at the school, developing an ethos of mutual respect. A School Council will be established with playground improvements as their first task.

Staff and Year 6 pupils will undertake conflict resolution training in their circle time and the school will set up friendship stops for lonely children, a quiet area and a games zone to make the playground a happier place.

Other children will be able to make further suggestions for improvements by posting them in a dedicated box.

Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said: "I would like to congratulate all the schools taking part in these awards. The BT Schools Awards offer schools a real opportunity to run an exciting citizenship project.

"Learning about citizenship is vital to each young person's education. It broadens their minds and teaches them about the wider world and how they can get involved.

"It encourages pupils to have an active involvement in the wider community, and shows them how they can make a difference."