'Joy' for judges of Our Rotherham school art competition

The competition - organised by Rotherham Rotary Club in conjunction with Rotherham Council – was held at Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley where the schools' Picture This Exhibition was also displayed. The three winners were Sofia Bates (first place), Henry Thompson (second) and Eva-Marie Gibbons (third prize).

They each received a voucher and their schools got a cheque towards art materials.

Rotary President Michael Sumption said: "This is the first year we have run an art competition and it has been a huge success which we hope to build on.

“It was a joy for our team of four judges to go through the entries, but in the end, Sofia's was a standout winner, best interpreting the theme - Our Rotherham, Town and Community.

“Sofia's dad told us how proud he was of her achievement and also grateful to the school for the opportunity she was given. “Special thanks to Ann Foxley-Johnson who devised the theme and saw the competition to its conclusion."

Ann Foxley-Johnson said: “As the Together for Tomorrow Project Lead, it has been an honour to partner with the Rotary Club on this year’s art competition.

“This initiative is all about strengthening community cohesion and giving young people a platform to be heard.

“Through their visual interpretations of ‘Our Rotherham’, the children have shared their creativity, pride in their community and bright hopes for our shared future.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to every student who took part — your imagination and talent have inspired us all.

“Congratulations also to our three winners, whose outstanding artwork truly captured the spirit of the competition.”