A HIGH School pupil has been crowned champed of an inaugural art competition.

Sarah Eckersley, who is a Year 11 student at Golborne High School, completed a portrait picture of her sister, half-covered in mandalas to win Young Artist of the Year in Warrington in a contest held by Vale Royal College.

Pottery, paintings and masks were on display in an exhibition with more than 50 people attending and seeing finalists collect certificates and medals.

Sarah, who also won £100 in cash, said: "It feels fantastic to have won.

"I really didn’t think I would win but I’m really pleased – today has been a good day.”

The competition was organised by the college's school engagement team in partnership with the and design department.

Year 10 and 11 students from four school were invited to submit a picture of their artwork before before a spring deadline was set.

Curriculum manager for art, design, fashion and textiles, Ben Brady, then selected the finalists and asked them to attend the awards evening.

Ben said: “This is the first time we have held Young Artist of the Year at the college and it’s safe to say that we were absolutely blown away by the standard of work submitted.

While the competition was initially for year 10 and 11 students, we even had some entries from year nine pupils that were of an incredibly high standard.

“The artistic talents of these young students made judging an extremely difficult and overwhelming task and while we could only pick one winner, every single one of our finalists should feel incredibly proud of themselves.

"I hope they continue to pursue their passion for art and look forward to teaching some of them at Warrington and Vale Royal College in the coming years.”