ARTWORK created by pupils of Cheshire schools has been put on display at Chester University.

The exhibition is a celebration of the most creative and talented art students in the region and showcases work from the finalists of Cheshire West and Chester Art in Education Competition.

Open to 142 Primary and Secondary Schools in the Cheshire West and Chester region, the competition gave students the chance to experience the commercial side of the art world.

The categories for this year’s competition included Year 6 and Year 9 students, as well as the People’s Choice Award winner who was chosen by members of the public through an online vote which took place during May.

The top finalist schools where: Abbey Gate College, Saighton; Barton Primary School, Northwich; Kelsall Primary School; The Firs School, Chester; The Kings School, Chester; Westminster Community School, Ellesmere Port; and Ellesmere Port Catholic School.

The Firs School won the Year 6 competition, The Kings School the Year 9 competition, and Ellesmere Port Catholic School won the People’s Choice Award.

A panel of art experts judged all submissions and shortlisted five pieces from each school. Judges included Professor Neil Grant, head of art at Chester University, Peter Boughton, keeper of art at the Grosvenor Museum; and Wendy Connolly, professional artist and art educator.

Neil Grant said “The University of Chester is pleased to support the awards and exhibition, as it highlights the importance of art education within the national curriculum and the demand for offering new opportunities to young people which promote the arts. The standard of artwork from the region’s students is extremely high and we are looking forward to opening the exhibition to the public”.

Prizes were donated by the sponsors and local attractions, including the Northwich Art Shop, Chester Hobbycraft, Chester Zoo and Beeston Castle.

The exhibition has been coordinated by the organisers of Chester Arts Fair, Black Mango Art, in partnership with the Art Department at Chester University.

Laura O’Hare, director of the awards, said: “The exhibition is a unique and rare opportunity to see artwork from Cheshire’s young emerging creative talent on display. ”