THE legend of Ruth Pierce which is remembered on a plaque on the Market Cross in Devizes proved to be powerful inspiration for pupils from Devizes School.

They were challenged by the Trust for Devizes to put a modern twist on the story as part of an essay competition.

Ruth met her demise in the Market Place on January 25, 1753 and the plaque tells how the woman from Potterne was accused of not paying her share for a sack of wheat but when challenged she told her friends she wished she might drop down dead if she had not.

She fell down and died and an inquest later recorded she had been struck dead by the visitation of the great and almighty God.

Essay winner Sophia Nicholls, 14, wrote a poem which transported Ruth to modern times and a night out with friends for a meal which had a similar outcome.

Philippa Morgan from the trust said:"The standard of entrants was extremely high but we were eventually able to choose three which stood out. First place went to Year 9 pupil Sophia Nicholls with Holly Budgell from Year 7 and Josh Day from Year 8 awarded second and third prizes.

"The total prize money provided by the Trust was £100.

"The Trust is delighted to be involved in this initiative for the second year and will publish the three winning entries in its quarterly magazine."