The talent of young artists in East Cambridgeshire was celebrated at an awards evening in Ely attended by the county’s police and crime commissioner.

Ely Standard: Ella Reed with Professor Jean Michel Massing. She won the 11-13 age category also pictured are the other finalists.Ella Reed with Professor Jean Michel Massing. She won the 11-13 age category also pictured are the other finalists. (Image: Archant)

The winners of ArtReach 2017 were announced at the ceremony at the Old Palace King’s Ely, following dozens of entries in four categories.

This was the second year of the police-led competition, aimed at engaging with young people and showcasing local talent. The theme was ‘change’.

Daisy Simpson, 9, won the under 10s category for an impressive embroidered cushion. Ella Reed, 13, took the 11-13s title.

Ely Standard: Harry Liptrot picked up the Chief Constable's prize, he is pictured with the chief constable and other finalists.Harry Liptrot picked up the Chief Constable's prize, he is pictured with the chief constable and other finalists. (Image: Archant)

In the 13-16s Eve Henderson, 16, impressed the judges to win.

Harry Liptrot won the supported learning category with a piece depicting his evolution over time.

The winners all took home prizes including digital slates from competition sponsor Huion and gifts from art retailer Tindalls. Additional prizes were presented to Tim White, Imogen Downs and Harry Simpson who were commended.

Ely Standard: Daisy Simpson winner in the under-10s category of the Art Reach competition for 2017.Daisy Simpson winner in the under-10s category of the Art Reach competition for 2017. (Image: Archant)

The judges, who also attended the evening, were Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Cllr Jason Ablewhite, Chief Constable Alec Wood, Deputy District Commander Marcia Pringle, the Mayor of Ely Cllr Ian Lindsay and Professor Jean Michel Massing retired head of the department of Art History at the University of Cambridge.

Chief Con Alec Wood said: “It was an honour to be involved in the judging process and we were really impressed with the artwork submitted.”

Cllr Ablewhite said: “I have been hugely impressed by the standard of creativity this year – judging the winners has not been easy!”

Ely Standard: Eve Henderson of Soham Village College picks up her prize from police and crime commission Cllr Jason Ablewhite watched by the other category finalists.Eve Henderson of Soham Village College picks up her prize from police and crime commission Cllr Jason Ablewhite watched by the other category finalists. (Image: Archant)

Sergeant Phil Priestley, who was involved in organising the competition, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make ArtReach a success again this year.”

Ely Standard: Police and crime commissioner Cllr Jason Ablewhite presents one of talented artists with his prize in the Policing East Cambs ArtReach competition 2017.Police and crime commissioner Cllr Jason Ablewhite presents one of talented artists with his prize in the Policing East Cambs ArtReach competition 2017. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ella Reed of Witchford Village College pictured with her award winning artwork.Ella Reed of Witchford Village College pictured with her award winning artwork. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Police and crime commissioner Cllr Jason Ablewhite presents one of the prizes in the Policing East Cambs Art Reach competition 2017.Police and crime commissioner Cllr Jason Ablewhite presents one of the prizes in the Policing East Cambs Art Reach competition 2017. (Image: Archant)