Liverpool International Horse Show Art Competition

MERSEYSIDE school children have the chance to design one of the show jumping fences for the Liverpool International Horse Show at the Echo Arena over 1 January to 3 January 2015.

The world's top show jumpers are heading to the City for the inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show and organisers are inviting local youngsters to get out their paints, crayons or computers to create a colourful and eye catching show jump.

Designs can celebrate famous Liverpool landmarks similar to those at London 2012, where the Olympic show jumping course featured:- Tower Bridge, Stonehenge and The Beatles' Abbey Road studio.

The Liverpool International Horse Show 'Design A Jump' Art Competition was launched today at Liverpool's St Vincent de Paul School by Olympic show jumper, Geoff Billington who spoke to children in the playground. Pupils learned about show jumping, grooming horses and Geoff answered questions about his 30 year career, including his appearances for Team GB at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games.

The children also had the chance to meet Blaze, a 15 year old former competition horse and Gambler, one of the Shetland Grand National horses who'll be in action at the show in January. Accompanying Gambler were young jockeys, Ben Hemmings and Kinvara Garner. Ben is the grandson of the 3 time winning Grand National owner, Trevor Hemmings, whose horse Many Clouds won this year's race.

Adam Vasco, the Deputy Head Teacher, was as enthusiastic as his pupils at the arrival of the horses. He told us that:- "This visit has opened up a universe that these youngsters don't get to see and it's been wonderful to see how they have responded."

Geoff Billington added:- "This is a great opportunity for the children of Liverpool to get involved with the City's new world class sporting event. Liverpool has some great landmarks and world famous history and I hope we see some of the city's heritage in the designs."

LIHS director Nina Barbour, said:- "I loved the show jumping fences at London 2012 and we'd like the children of Liverpool to bring some of that joyful spirit to the Liverpool International Horse Show. The children at St Vincent de Paul School have already been busy and come up with some great ideas. We're looking forward to seeing what comes from this competition and I'm sure that the course builders are too."

The closing date for the competition is 16 November 2015 and the winner will see the design built and in action at the Liverpool International Horse Show. The winner and their family will receive tickets for 1 of the shows and will meet some of the top riders. The winner's school will also receive ten family tickets for the show.  Schools can download the 'Design A Jump' Art Competition guidelines pack from the Liverpool International Horse Show website.   The Liverpool International Horse Show will combine world class show jumping with spectacular family entertainment including the Bootleg Beatles, French Stunt Rider Clemence Faivre and the Shetland Pony Grand National. Tickets start at £18 and are available from the Liverpool ACC (Arena) online.

Woman rescued from lake by local Police Officer

MERSEYSIDE Police's Area Commander, in Sefton area, has praised the actions of a constable who rescued a woman from the lake, at Southport Marine Promenade, Tuesday, 14 October 2015. The Police Officers were called to the location at around 7.40pm, following a report of a woman struggling in the water, about 100m away from the Marine Way Bridge. On arrival local Officers noticed the woman was in distress. PC Gary Hoey swam out, into the water and brought the woman to safety and then staying with her until she received medical attention. The 24 year old woman, who was unhurt, was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act. Sefton Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Costello, said:- "I would like to take this opportunity to commend the actions of our Officer. He immediately recognised the distress the woman was in and bravely entered extremely cold water in darkness to swim to the woman and pull her to safety. It is no exaggeration to say that without his swift actions the woman could have lost her life. What PC Hoey did was selfless and courageous and a testimony to the service that we aim to provide every day to our communities across Merseyside, and no less than I would expect from my brilliant team."