ArtReach is back with ArtReach 2017! The East Cambs police led competition took place for the first time this year to engage with young people and celebrate local talent.

It attracted entries in five categories, with the winning entries being displayed in Ely Police Station.

Next year the theme is ‘change’ and entries are accepted in any medium.

The artist must live or be educated in East Cambridgeshire and the closing date for entries is February 28.

The five categories are:

- 10 and under

- 11 – 13 years

- 14 – 16 years

- 17 and 18 years

- Supported or assisted learning for special needs

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at King’s Ely in April.

The judges will include police and crime commissioner Councillor Jason Ablewhite, Chief Constable Alec Wood, Deputy District Commander Marcia Pringle, the Mayor of Ely Councillor Ian Lindsay and a representative of the Department of Art History at University of Cambridge.

The overall category winners will take home prizes including digital art slates from competition sponsor Huion and gifts from art retailer Tindalls.

Sergeant Phil Priestley said: “We were really pleased with the response this year, so it’s great to be able to run the competition again in 2017.

“It’s a chance to showcase the exceptional talent of young people in East Cambridgeshire and allows us an additional opportunity to engage with the community.

“The artwork can consist of anything – painting, drawing, digital art, a short animation or a sculpture. We really want the winning artists to demonstrate not only technique and ability, but perhaps most importantly imagination and creativity.”

Those wanting to enter the competition need to send their work to Ely Police Station in Nutholt Lane or alternatively email a digital photo to East-Cambs-Cops@cambs.pnn.police.uk.

All entries should include the name, age and entry category of the artist, plus their contact details, and should be marked ‘ArtReach 2017’.