Youngsters competing in events at this year's Collett Day in Shepton Mallet have the chance to walk away with their very own Olympic medal.

A total of 1,000 medals are being produced thanks to the design efforts of Whitstone students and financial support from the Sheppey Valley Community Learning Partnership.

Providing Olympic medals for young competitors at the town's big event of the year on Saturday, June 9 – which will include its very own mini Olympics – is the brainwave of town councillor and Collett Day organiser Jeff Curtis.

He was keen to come up with something to encourage youngsters to take part in the action-packed day of events and walk away with something special to mark the Olympics being hosted in our country.

Councillor Curtis asked teacher Steve Wills, head of Whitstone's design and technology department and his students to design a medal to be handed out to competitors on the big Shepton day.

The students designed the medals using Whitstone's computer-aided design software – Techsoft Design Tools.

Each student came up with two to three designs, all based on a Shepton theme and including text about the event, and submitted them to Mr Curtis for his approval.

"They came up trumps, and I am very grateful to them all, " declared Mr Curtis this week.

"Everyone competing in the mini Olympics events at Collett Park on the day will get a medal," he said.

Events so far for the big day include races, gymnastics and boxing and a fun run.

Winners will mount a podium, specially loaned by the town's drama group, for the official presentation of medals. And of course there will be the usual action-packed programme for all the family including community stalls, displays, music. dancing and entertainment.

A running track is being installed at the park for everyone's use throughout the summer.

And Mr Curtis is also planning a special May Day event in the park – complete with Maypole dancing and a fun dog Show and an opportunity for people to indulge in a range of hobbies – on Saturday, May 5, from noon to 4pm (For details about the dog show email jennyjef ferson@mypostof fice.co.uk).

Entry forms for the mini Olympics events will be printed in this paper shortly.

For further details of all the events email Mr Curtis at rose buddy38@taktalk.net.