MALMESBURY young artists were celebrated at an annual art competition.

The Malmesbury in Bloom art competition sponsored by the Standard, was held at the town hall on Friday, September 21.

The painting competition, which is sponsored every year by the Standard, encouraged young artists in the town to get in touch with their creative side.

This year, Malmesbury Town Council had more than 50 entries.

"The quality of the paintings and photographs was excellent, as always.” said Mayor Cllr Fran Vandelli.

“We are really lucky to have local artists Mary Hill and Mary Smith to judge the competition because I wouldn’t know which pictures to choose!

"In fact, it was so close that the judges had to highlight some excellent entries with an honourable mention.”

Cian from St Joseph’s RC Primary School was winner of the 6 to 7 year-old category of the painting competition, with Archie Gould runner up and Padraig Maloney 3rd place.

Ross, also from St Joseph’s School, won in the 8-year-old category with Freya Morris and Michael Pitman 2nd and 3rd, with an honourable mention for Finn Young.

First prize for the 9-year-old category went to Millie Kennett, with Anna Joyce and Tom Harris 2nd and 3rd, with honourable mentions for Alice Cole and Sam Hunter.

Sophie McCormack was winner the winner in the 12-year-old group.

In the photography competition the winner of the 9-year old-category was Analiese Jones, with the winner of the 12-year-old category Ellie Barlow.

Cllr Vandelli added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The Standard for sponsoring the prizes again, and to thank all the people who work hard behind the scenes to make the competition happen, including all the school teachers that support their students to enter.

"I’d especially like to thank our judges and Cllr Catherine Doody, and also the staff at the Town Hall.

"I’d also like to thank deputy mayor, Cllr Julie Exton, who hosted the prize winner’s ceremony at the Town hall on Friday 21st of September.”