A Peterborough pupil has won a national competition and £250 sports prize for his school by having his eye on the ball.

Marius Lungu, 14, took part in a ‘Spot the Cricket Ball’ competition run by Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, which sponsors county level cricket and has a branch in Queensgate Shopping Centre. 

The Year 10 student at City of Peterborough Academy said: “I was very surprised to have won the competition. 

“I just happened to be waiting for an eye test and thought it would be fun to enter but didn’t think I’d walk away with the prize. 

“I really enjoy sport at school, so it’s great to know that I have helped buy more equipment.”

The competition was run in Scrivens branches throughout the UK, as part of a campaign to highlight the importance of eye checks for children.

Scrivens Opticians regional manager Dan Abraham explained: “We always have a great response to the competition, but there is a more serious message about the importance of regular eye checks for young people, because having correct vision is key to a child’s learning. 

“Sport is also incredibly important for a child’s physical and mental wellbeing, so we’re delighted that over the years we have donated £2,000 to local schools through our Spot The Cricket Ball competition alone.”

The prize money will go towards new softball equipment for the school, as that is Marius’ favourite sport and highly popular with pupils. 

Peterborough’s assistant principal, Steve Wilkinson, said: “It was a lovely surprise when Marius told us of his achievement. 

“As a school we see sport as central to our pupils’ physical development, as well as giving them an opportunity to develop discipline and team skills.

“We are grateful to Scrivens for their kind donation, which will help us build on the breadth of sports we offer our children.”

Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business which was established in 1938. It has 169 stores in England and Wales, with 1,000 employees.