Forget the football, a mid-Somerset school is definitely celebrating as it brings home a national trophy this week.

Ashcott Primary School has had its pupil-written newspaper crowned as the best in the country – for the second time.

Its half-termly publication the Ashcott Compass, compiled by its Press Club, was hailed as "a smartly written, diverse and dynamic publication" by judges at First News, the newspaper that goes to schools and children across the country.

Scooping the Primary School Newspaper of the Year Award for the second time has put more than a smile on the face of Ashcott Primary School Press Club.

Max, aged 10, said everyone feels very proud to be named the best in the country. Even through lockdown, pupils still continued to meet – via Zoom sessions – to keep the community spirit of the school going.

Oliver, aged 11, said he was thrilled: "We provide a voice for everyone in the school and during lockdown our newspaper kept everyone together, sharing news with pupils at home and at school."

Lois, also aged 11, said: "We write news articles, features, book review, as well as games and puzzles to entertain and inform. We feel we are all one big family."

Ashcott first won the award in 2019 and scooped a visit to Number 10 Downing Street in January 2020, arranged by First News, to interview Boris Johnson on the eve of Brexit.

Violet, aged 11, said: "This newspaper club has given us the experiences of a lifetime, some went to Downing Street and we all had the chance of writing questions that were put to the Prime Minister.

"These were all amazing experiences we would not have had if we hadn't been members of Press Club."

Nicolette Smallshaw is head of education at First News and praised the whole team who put together the paper.

"It is genuinely the voice of your community with the children at its heart, just as they should be," she said.

"It's such a valuable project for them to be responsible for and involved in. And, I'm sure it's a lot of fun too."

Ashcott Primary School head teacher Richard Briar said he was thrilled the work of the pupils and staff had been recognised for a second time.

"It's lovely to have something to celebrate after such a difficult 18 months," he said.