An emotive portrait of a man's face has won a Norfolk six-former top place in a new art competition.
Lexie Cox, 17, a student at Reepham High School and College, won the first ever Norfolk Sixth Forms and Colleges Art Competition for her acrylic-on-board creation.
The competition, part of a Norfolk County Council push to encourage arts education for young people, attracted 400 entries from across the county.
Robert Rickard, the council's adviser for 14-19 development, co-ordinated the event.
Mr Rickard said the standard of the entries was 'remarkable'.
He said: 'It's clear we have some real talent across the county.
'This is the first time many of the students have had their work displayed in an exhibition so it was a really exciting experience for them.'
Mr Rickard said the contest was set to continue next year.
He said: 'This the first ever competition of its kind and we are already thinking about how to attract even more entries next year, as nearly half the sixth forms and colleges entered this time. It's really important that we continue to encourage creativity in arts subjects and support young people with their aspirations, break down barriers and raise standards.'
Amy Nash from Dereham Sixth Form College won a runners-up prize for a digital drawing she created, and highly commended entrants were Katie Bluck, Holly Lusher-Chamberlain, Lily Pearson, Holly Wise, Fern Attoe, Paula Averkamp, John Brooker, Bethia Henson and Nikita Johnson.
The artworks have now gone on public display at Norwich University of the Arts's (NUA) Duke Street Gallery.
John Last, NUA's vice-chancellor, was part of the judging panel and presented awards to winners.
Mr Rickard said: 'We are pleased that NUA has made such a fine start to what we hope will become a lasting tradition.
'I know the heads of art have many ideas for other activities to encourage the extraordinary artistic talent of our Norfolk students.'
Entries can be viewed on Monday and Tuesday (July 10 and 11) between midday and 4pm, and on Wednesday from 10am to midday.
Do you know somebody who has won an award for an artistic endeavour? Email emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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