Abid crowned in spelling bee

OLDHAM'S Mayor Councillor Shadab Qumer with runner-up, St Margaret's pupil Yi-Lin Yu (left) and winner Abid Ali

"BLUDGEON" proved the winning blow for Abid Ali when he was crowned Oldham's champion speller.

The 10-year-old from St Thomas CE Primary School in Werneth correctly spelled the word to clinch the title in front of Mayor of Oldham Shadab Qumer, classmates and his mum.

A total of 18 pupils in years three to six took part in the Oldham Spelling Bee after winning similar competitions in their own schools.

The knockout final was held in the council chamber with pupils taking it in turn to spell a range of tricky words tailored to their individual ages such as courageous, believable, embarrassment, tsunami and conspicuous. And there was no room for error with a mistake meaning elimination.

The last two pupils standing then went head-to-head with Yi-Lin Yu (8) from St Margaret's CE Primary School in Hollinwood the runner up.

Every pupil received a medal, a dictionary and a book voucher, and Abid was presented with a shield. Teaching assistant Yvette Stuart from St Thomas who accompanied him said: "I am so proud; he was absolutely amazing."

The spelling bee was started three years ago at St Hugh's CE Primary School in Holts to help pupils get to grips with the tough, new spelling, punctuation and grammar curriculum. It proved so successful there that it was opened up to other schools last year. Still organised by St Hugh's, it is supported by the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro and Madeline Lindley books in Chadderton.

Competitions for younger children are also held in schools and Rotary club president Frank Bolger said: "It does improve the spelling performance of children, making the learning experience fun and exciting. All pupils from infants to Year 6 get to take part so it also increases their self-esteem. Standing in front of a class, the whole school or in the council chamber can be daunting but it builds confidence."

Councillor Qumer was impressed with the pupils who took part and told them: "You have been amazing ­- I think I would have been out first!"

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