GUSFORD Primary School in Ipswich has beaten off strong competition to reach a national final with its sculpture made out of old school equipment.Creative pupils from the Sheldrake Drive school have been selected to go through as Ipswich's entry in the National Final of the inaugural AXA Art of Sport challenge.

GUSFORD Primary School in Ipswich has beaten off strong competition to reach a national final with its sculpture made out of old school equipment.

Creative pupils from the Sheldrake Drive school have been selected to go through as Ipswich's entry in the National Final of the inaugural AXA Art of Sport challenge.

Fifteen sculptures made by school pupils throughout the UK, each voted as their region's winners, have now been posted on to the AXA Art of Sport web site to be put to the public vote.

The entry that receives the highest number of votes through the competition's dedicated web site will win £5,000 worth of sports equipment for their school.

Children aged eight to 11 at six schools in the Ipswich area were challenged to recycle old equipment and transform it into a sculpture that represents their community.

Justine Hughes, the teacher at Gusford Primary School who co-ordinated the school's entry said: "The sculpture is called 'The Pyramid of Hope and Aspiration'. The pyramid, the strongest 3D shape, symbolises the strength of our community and the egg at the centre symbolises a healthy, balanced environment in which to grow and flourish. All materials used were recycled and included old sports kits, uniforms and bags from local shops.

"We are very proud of the teamwork and creativity that has gone into our entry and we hope local people will support the children's efforts by voting for them."

Malcolm Hollister of AXA Ipswich: "Gusford Primary's sculpture was really outstanding. Even though we had to pick a finalist to represent the region, all of the schools that participated in the scheme will each be rewarded with a full sports kit for the school and certificates for pupils to show that they participated.

"It really has been fantastic to see the enthusiastic way in which pupils and teachers have responded to the challenge, which combines recycling, sport and art educational messages."

Pupils are now urging people from Ipswich to back their efforts and vote for their sculpture at www.axa-insurance.co.uk.

The online vote will run until July 11.