3D seascape art scoops prize at Qube in Oswestry

The Millicent Kaye Memorial Art Competition saw 353 colourful entries from primary schools all following a sea theme this year.

At a presentation ceremony held at Qube in Oswestry on Monday, the prestigious 2016 Millicent Kaye Trophy – a mysterious and unfinished portrait of a young girl – was won by West Felton School.

The school also won £50 as part of its prize for being the one that made the most overall effort.

Meanwhile, Emily Darlington, who is home-schooled by her mother Gill in Oswestry, donated £100 in prize money to the under-threat Oswestry Library and will spend her £50 on watercolour materials.

The youngster said: "My 3D work with a crab, fish and jellyfish took about 12 hours in total and was all my own work.

"I like being home-schooled but as I have never been to school, I've nothing to compare it with."

Her mother, Gill, said: "The artwork fitted in nicely with the work we were doing on the Great Barrier Reef.

"Awareness of home schooling is rising and it suits us as a family.

"We wanted Oswestry Library to have the money because it is under threat and it allows us to keep books a little longer for Emily's education, which helps a lot." Michael Griffiths, president elect of Oswestry Rotary Club, which organised the event, said:

"The subject of the sea seems to have inspired everyone. "West Felton School will be able to hold the portrait of a young unknown girl for a year. It would be interesting to find out who the girl in the portrait is and to work out how old she would be now.

"No-one seems to know much about it, other than Millicent was painting the portrait at the time of her death and it is unfinished."

Connor Tinsley from Morda Church of England Primary School interpreted it with a clay model of a shark with little human legs coming out of its mouth.

He had £25 for second prize and his school had a £50 cheque.