PUPILS from Kingsdown School saw their winning window design unveiled at Zurich’s offices in the heart of the town centre on Friday.

Jamie Davis and Fiona Hoxhaj, from year 10 had their designs combined by the company to create an illustrated display which celebrated Swindon’s historic connection with the railways and Zurich’s links to the community.

Everyone in the year group’s art class was asked to come up with a new design for the window after being given a brief by the insurance provider in October.

Art teacher Claire Heeley whittled down the 50 entries before sending the best to competition judges, who picked Jamie and Fiona’s designs for the new windows on the ground floor of Tricentre One by the bus stations on Fleming Way.

Claire said: “We are very pleased that the girls have won, we are really chuffed and proud that they have got something on display in Swindon.

“They are quite quiet students and I think they’re still a bit star-struck by it all.

“It’s very nice that Zurich combined the two images because now both students get to see their work displayed and their designs linked together beautifully without them even realising.”

The designs will be a permanent addition to the building and the pupils each received a £100 gift voucher for WH Smiths as an extra reward for their efforts.

At the unveiling the deputy mayor of Swindon, Junab Ali, spoke about the town’s rich history.

He said: “I am very pleased and honoured to be here today to unveil this magnificent piece of artwork.

“Last year was a landmark year for the town as we celebrated 175 years since the founding of the world famous railway works.

“These works were where the men and women of Swindon made the King’s and Castles of Brunel’s and Gooch’s Great Western Railway.”

He also thanked the insurance provider for their charity work with the local community in Swindon over the past four decades.

“The Zurich Community Trust and Finance Aids Charity Events have helped lots of organisations in the town supporting those who need it most and who work to make this town a better place,” he said. “Over £500,000 each year is allocated to these groups.”

The competition was thought up by a group of Zurich interns and their idea was passed along to two other groups who helped bring the concept to fruition.

Intern Mehdi El Meijad said: “We came up with the idea to mark the 175th anniversary of Swindon and highlight the company’s relationship with the community by holding an appreciation day for the community with this event.”