A group of Year 13 students from Mount Lourdes Convent Grammar in Enniskillen have just won a European competition, with their prize being a trip to the European Parliament.

European Studies co-ordinator Carmel McCarron explains that the girls entered a 'Euro-Scola' competition in which they had to design a leaflet to encourage young people to vote in the 2009 European elections.

"This is the third year the school has entered the competition, and the third year we have won it - sort of a hat-trick," explains Carmel.

Three winning schools from Northern Ireland now join three schools from the south will all travel together to the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 15th to 17th January 2009.

Carmel explains what will happen when they get there. "One of the girls will introduce Mount Lourdes Grammar School speaking in a European language (either French or Spanish). The student will then tell an audience of approximately 500 other students from across Europe a bit about the school and also a bit about Enniskillen, and Fermanagh."

The girls will then take part in a number of debates on relevant topics in front of their European peers.

Carmel McCarron said this is a very prestigious award and she is delighted for the girls to have won this award.

The girls entered the competition as part of their enrichment course which the girls attend on a Thursday afternoon.

Two teachers, including Ms McCarron, will travel with the girls to Strasbourg to represent Mount Lourdes, and Enniskillen on the European stage.