They "won'' savings accounts -- prizes for their efforts in the Bank of Butterfield Mile Colouring Contest.

The annual competition, in its fifth year, pulled in 2,700 entries from primary school students.

Winners gathered last Thursday at the bank's Rosebank Centre for a prize-giving ceremony.

Bank of Butterfield executive vice president Mr. Colin Furr told how impressive the entries were.

"It looks like we have a tremendous amount of artistic talent in this room!'' He praised the judges Mr. Michael Cooper, Mr. Otto Trott, Ms Elizabeth Trott, and Mr. Colin Hassell, who took on the daunting challenge of sifting through the entries.

Top three artists in each category received savings accounts, with different deposits.

There was $50 for first place, and $30 and $20 for second and third.

Several of the youngsters had won before -- including Saltus Cavendish's budding artist Adam Petty.

Last year he donated his prize to the Somalia relief fund.

For Saltus Junior pupil Travis Tucker winning has become a habit. It was the fifth year in a row he carried off a prize.

Overall winner was West End Primary student Thomas Okai-James, who picked up a $100 award.

This year there was also a special award for a "very unique entry''. It went to Alexander Anderson, from Saltus Cavendish.

Mr. Furr said he hoped the accounts would encourage youngsters to save. He pointed out last year accounts were presented with a total of $800 deposited in them. On January 5 these accounts were worth $5,538.21.

The bank's senior marketing manager Mr. Tom Lamont also presented the winners with special certificates.

The full list of winners (first, second, third): Primary 1: Ziara Campbell, Sarah Brum, Zakiyah Douglas; Primary 2: Ciara Ruth, Edward Moore, Dawnarica Lewis; Primary 3: Adam Petty, Elisa Gilsenan, Stephanie Adderley; Primary 4: Waynette Hollis, Sarah Martin, Andrew Cottingham; Primary 5: Chantell Darrell, John Allan, Keino Williams; Primary 6: Thomas Okai-James, Marco Rodrigues, Travis Tucker; Primary 7: Tracey Howes, Shanae Outerbridge, Sloane Wilson; Special Award Winner: Alexander Anderson; Overall Winner: Thomas Okai-James.

ART OF WINNING -- Bank of Butterfield colouring contest winners line up with the bank's executive vice president Mr. Colin Furr.