Running now for 31 years, the "Europe at School" essay and art competition organised by the Department of Education must be one of the longest-running competitions of its kind.

Most post-primary schools in this State participate in the Europe at School competition, which is held in 32 countries across the continent, under the patronage of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Cultural Foundation and the EC. Twenty students, 10 in the senior cycle and 10 in the junior cycle, were presented with their prizes at a prize-giving ceremony in the Clock Tower of the Department of Education recently.

The winners will participate in week-long gatherings of students in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Finland.