A NINE year-old boy from Dorchester has won a major competition after he penned a heartfelt poem to thank NHS workers who helped his little brother.

Talented Aaron Miah, a pupil at Leweston Prep School near Sherborne, scooped top prize in a contest hosted by the NHS to encourage youngsters to consider a career in the health service.

He was overall winner in the 'Step Into The NHS' primary schools competition for the Thames Valley & Wessex region, winning vouchers to spend.

Aaron said: “When I entered I thought ‘wow, imagine if I won’ - and a couple of months later, I actually won. I was feeling quite nervous because I didn’t know what would happen, and whether I would get into the news or win a prize - I just didn’t know.

“My brother is ill and when I thought about all the people who helped me and my brother that’s when I got the idea to write the poem. I am really thankful to everyone in the NHS who helped me and my little brother.”

Headteacher Alanda Phillips described Aaron's poem as "stunning."

She said: “Encouraging the pupils to demonstrate their gratitude to those working in the NHS during the height of lockdown was critical for us, and the quality of the poetry they produced was testament to how deeply they engaged with the work.

“Aaron’s poem was a stunning dedication to the NHS, which really demonstrated his understanding of the importance of every role and the impact that all those staff have on the patients that they treat. I am so proud of his achievement.”

The competition attracted 1,871 entries from more than 3,000 pupils in 273 primary schools throughout England. On the panel of judges were A&E doctor and TV presenter Dr Ronx; professor of careers education Tristram Hooley, and teacher trainer Hannah Wilson.

Dr Navina Evans, chief executive, Health Education England, said: "This year’s entries for the Step Into The NHS contest have been superb – imaginative, fun and thought-provoking – and I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Aaron and all our winners.”

For information about career opportunities with the NHS visit www.healthcareers.nhs.uk