Quad bikes, rock bands, holidays and flying to the moon were among the dreams of 39 young artists whose work was commended yesterday. The artists, aged between six and 18, were yesterday presented with certificates and trophies, as the winners of the Irish League of Credit Unions poster competition.

The competition, now in its 21st year, attracted 26,000 entrants this year from all over Ireland.

Among the winners, Harrison Baird (7) from Derry said he was "very happy" when his picture of himself on a quad bike "in a field" was chosen winner in the "7 and under" category. His mum, Ms Sarah Baird said the win was a "real boost" for Harrison, who has speech and language difficulties.

Artist and competition judge Mr Frank Clarke described the standard as "fantastic" and "of astoundingly high quality".

Mr John O'Regan, president of the ILCU, said the competition was about giving something back to the communities in which the 532 credit unions were based.

"It is also about encouraging young people to think about credit unions and thinking about money responsibly."