A YOUNGSTER from South East Cornwall who built a four-storey bug hotel has won first prize in a national competition.

Henry Brown, who attends Sir Robert Geffery’s School in Landrake, entered the contest run by the Association for Science Education (ASE), and was awarded joint first place from amongst more than 1000 entries.

The five-year-old loves looking out for mini-beasts, says his mum Claire.

’He has always been interested in insects and absolutely loves bug hunting,’ she said.

’He was also set the task of going on a bug hunt as part of his home learning - his class have just finished  learning about metamorphosis and various different insects. When I heard about the competition I thought it was perfect for Henry.’

With help from his dad Adrian and his older brothers Alfie and William, Henry measured, cut out and screwed together some old pieces of wood to make the framework for the bug hotel.

Insects and creepie crawlies of all kinds will get a five-star stay inside Henry’s construction, which he filled with bits and pieces from around the garden like sticks, twigs and leaves, an old brick and some pieces of bamboo cane.

’He checks it all the time and he is especially proud that there is a snail and a spider in there at the moment!’ said Claire.

’He is really pleased about winning and is excited to receive a digital microscope as a prize, so that he can investigate lots more creatures.’

Henry’s school will also be given some bug hunting equipment from ASE, who said they thought the youngster’s bug hotel was a fantastic home school project as it involved using tools and learning alongside his dad.