Drax Power Limited’s first ever Art In The Community competition revealed a high level of artistic talent from a number of local schools. The 12 winners from four age categories were invited to a specially organised awards ceremony in December, which took place in the newly refurbished restaurant at Drax.

Winners were treated like stars for the evening, their names projected on to a large screen, with total prize money amounting to more than £2,500 and an after show buffet for everyone to enjoy.

The competition was launched to encourage and develop art appreciation as part of the company’s support and commitment to education and art learning within schools. The competition was divided into four age categories, allowing children from 5 to 18 years the chance to compete. In total, 29 local primary and secondary schools entered the competition submitting over 70 impressive entries.

The judging panel was made up of Drax Finance Director, Gordon Boyd, Drax Head Trader, Damien Speight and the Selby Water Colour Society’s Secretary, Cindy Yaxley. After much deliberation against the criteria of use of colour and shading, visual impact and originality the winners were declared.

Each winner received prize money which Drax matched with a donation to their schools. The prizes were awarded by Drax Chief Executive, Dorothy Thompson.

The winning entries will adorn the walls of the newly revitalised reception and restaurant building for all to enjoy, including the many visitors and guests that come to the power station.

The full list of winners is below:

5-7 years
1st – Charlotte Rowlands - Barlow Primary School
2nd – Estelle Charles - Barlow Primary School
3rd – Ben Dilnot - Barlow Primary School

7-11 years
1st – Nathan Matthews-Scott - Barlow Primary School
2nd – Maya White - Barlow Primary School
3rd – Sophie Embling - Brayton Junior School

11-14 years
1st – Cara Lambert - Brayton College
2nd – Hannah Saville - Brayton College
3rd – Jess Thompson - Brayton College

14-18 years
1st – Alice Coward - Barlby High School
2nd – Chloe Beck - Selby College
3rd – Charlotte Foster - Selby College