Young artists' work praised

BUDDING young Ipswich artists have been praised for their winning entries in a charity calendar competition.

The youngsters arrived at the town hall to met the town's mayor, Penny Breakwell – all with huge smiles on their faces.

Among the winners was ten-year-old Joshua Osbourne – he is behind August's picture of the Orwell Bridge.

He said: "I chose to paint the bridge because it is a very important landmark.

"I'm very glad that I got picked and the best part was having my picture taken with the mayor."

Children from primary schools across Ipswich were invited to paint pictures around the calendar's title, "Ipswich Our Town" and according to the mayor, the standard was very high.

She said: "It's been lovely to meet the children and put a face to the name – it's been the icing on the cake, the children were all delightful.

"I really wanted to get the children involved, I teach myself and have been involved with children my whole working life.

"I wanted the calendar to reflect the children's view of Ipswich.

"The response from the schools was magnificent and the standard was very high."

Lauren Parmenter, 10, drew a scene of fireworks for November's picture.

She said: "I'm excited that my picture got chosen.

"I think my whole school entered the competition."

And five-year-old Kirsty Clarke was so excited about meeting a Mayor that she wrote her a thank you letter.

She said: "My picture is of the Crown Pools and of my friends. I drew it because I wanted my friends to be in it and it is my favourite place."

The calendar is priced at £3.99 and is on sale at the Civic Centre, the Tourist Information Centre, the New Wolsey Theatre and the reception of the Evening Star.

Proceeds will go to the Mayor's Charities – the Ipswich Wildlife Group, East Anglia's Children's Hospice (Ipswich) and Amnesty International, Ipswich Group.