HIGH school pupils have won a competition involving a digital idea to improve public transport.

Golborne High School students' suggestion was to provide an incentive to travel on public transport by having a rewards scheme linked to retailers.

The contest the Lowton Road school's Class 8G3 won was open to schools and youth groups. It was run by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Wigan Council.

The pupils were presented with the prize of an iPad by Wigan borough mayor Cllr Sue Greensmith.

She said: "This class had clearly worked hard as a group to come up with their ideas for improving public transport. I’ve been very impressed with all of the young people I’ve met today, their attitude is wonderful and I’d like to say a big thank you to the school for their hospitality."

Pupils will also get the chance to visit Manchester Science Park as part of their prize.

Golborne High School pupil Ellen, 13, said: "It feels really good to win, like we’ve done something important together.

"When we started talking about the competition we had lots of ideas.

"Technology is important for the future, especially in the ways it can help us connect with each other."

Leo, 12, added: "I’m so happy we won, it’s unbelievable."

Leigh Youth Voice were runners up in the competition with their idea of developing an app to tell when a a bus is on its way and alert people when to get off.

TfGM Intelligent mobility Officer Chris Allen said: "Golborne High School’s idea was of particular merit and interest.

"We’d love to see this idea applied as it could align with a number of our priorities; in particular supporting local high streets, reducing congestion and improving air quality to help make Wigan borough an even better place to live, work and shop.

"We look forward to working with Golborne High School and Wigan Council to shape the young people’s ideas over the next year."