Artistic children were celebrated at an awards ceremony at King’s School, Ely, to mark the end of Art Reach 2016.

Ely Standard: ArtReach. Eve Henderson age 15.ArtReach. Eve Henderson age 15. (Image: Archant)

The competition aimed to showcase the “incredible hidden artistry of our young people in East Cambridgeshire,” said Sergeant Phil Priestly.

It invited youngsters from around East Cambridgeshire to send in their finest paintings or drawings that portray mood or emotion, with the winning entries to be hung on the walls of Ely Police Station on Nutholt Lane.

“We’ve had a wonderful time awarding prizes to our young artists,” Sergeant Priestly added.

“When we set out on the journey of ArtReach 2016 we thought we would discover something special. We clearly have.

“We would like to express particularly congratulations to our category winners Anne-Marie Godby, Lauren-May Baumber, Eve Henderson, Chelsea Harrison and Jack Mumford.

“It was incredibly difficult to single out the most exceptional pieces and the work that has been provided has divided opinion enormously.

“I know that the chief constable, Alec Wood, wanted to give particular recognition to a piece that wasn’t shortlisted. The young artist is named Harry Redman - and Harry we will be in touch to make sure that happens.

“Additionally, the police and crime commissioner felt so strongly about a piece submitted by Zara Smith that it will be hanging in his office, and a prize bundle has been arranged for Zara too.”

On behalf of Ely Police Station, Sergeant Priestly extended his thanks to Sir Graham Bright, councillor Lis Every, professor Jean Michel Massing, chief constable Alec Wood, DCI Donna Wass, Sarah Scaites-Stokes, Jessica Ives, the Police Cadets of Soham, Huion, Tindalls, Venue Audio Visual and King’s School Ely and “every parent, carer, teacher, school, and young person who made their own personal contribution.

“We want ArtReach 2017 to be just as special.”