WHILE millions bombarded phone lines for World Cup tickets, Hannah Wheeler booked her place at France '98 in style.

The sixth former at Oxford High School was one of a handful of winners of the Allons en France '98 worldwide essay writing competition.

And Hannah was presented with her prize - a trip to France and tickets to three World Cup matches - at a glittering reception hosted by the French Ambassador in London.

Among the guests were soccer stars Frank Leboeuf, David Ginola and Gianluca Vialli, actress Barbara Windsor and sports minister Tony Banks.

Chelsea fan Hannah, 16, of Bainton, near Bicester, said: "France and football are two of my favourite things. When I heard I had won the prize I was amazed, but also thrilled."

Allons En France '98 was open to 16-20 year-olds from more than 100 countries and set students an ambitious task.

Each had to write an imaginary diary set in France during the World Cup finals, and record themselves in an imaginary interview with a French radio station.

The whole project had to be written and spoken in French and was followed by interviews with short-listed finalists to pick out the winners.

Hannah set her diary and interview in Nantes, Brittany, and called on the help of a friend living in the area to provide background.

She was among 11 British winners chosen to spend two weeks in France during the World Cup and also act as an ambassador for her country at a string of official events.

Hannah added: "It looks as though we will be going to a quarter-final, a semi-final and possibly the final. I will remember this for the rest of my life."

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