STUDENTS landed a cash windfall with a showstopping performance raising awareness of the devastating impacts of terrorism, writes Emer Scully.

Pupils at Willink School in Burghfield secured first place and a whopping £1,000 prize following their show at the Corn Exchange in Newbury.

They tackled issues like radicalisation and why it needs to be treated seriously, while performing in front of a panel of judges.

Sulley Wattam, a pupil who performed in the show, said: “This has been so much fun.

“Learning through drama is a great way of getting a message across because it is engaging, enjoyable and thought provoking.”

This year marked the 10 year anniversary of the drama competition, organised by Thames Valley Police, West Berkshire Council and The Watermill Theatre.

It runs in partnership with a government counter-terrorism strategy, 'Prevent'.

Lynne Doherty, West Berkshire's Executive Member for children and young people, added: “This years topic is certainly one of the most challenging.

“It required in-depth knowledge around the subject of radicalisation and where it can lead.

“It also required a great deal of human interest and empathy to create a performance that incorporated all of the points required by the judges.”