A STUDENT has won shopping vouchers as part of a new scheme.

Sweyne Park student Matthew Terry, is the first winner of £25 high street gift vouchers after his name was picked out of a prize draw.

The Year 8 pupil at the Rayleigh school took part in the pilot set up by Rochford District Council to allow them to contact young people via a free mobile phone text messaging service.

The council has been sending text alerts to all those who have registered containing information about events and services.

A second prize draw of £25 vouchers is due to take place in mid June.

All young people between 11 and 19 years old who visit the website and sign up will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

For more information and to sign up please visit www.rochford.gov.uk/textalerts.