THE creativity of imaginative children has been praised after an exhibition of their work went on display at The World Of Glass.

The St Helens Youth Open Art competition saw 570 entries from budding creators, whose sketches, sculptures and paintings really caught the eye.

Overall, 27 primary schools took part along with seven high schools. Anya Nichols of Newton-le-Willows primary was the winner of the four-seven age group, while Poppy Halstead of Blackbrook St Mary’s primary won the seven-11 age group.

In the two older categories, Lulu Duckworth of Haydock High, clinched the 11-14 age group and Dhanna Estinozo of St Cuthbert’s High, won the 14-16 group. The competition was organised by St Helens Council’s Arts Service, St Augustine of Canterbury High School and The World Of Glass.

Deputy Leader of St Helens Council, Barrie Grunewald said: “St Helens Youth Open Art plays an important role in recognising the talents of young people in St Helens.

“We have received an overwhelming response from the public reflected in the high number of entries. “The competition was open to the whole community and it is great to see schools, families and art groups working together.

“There has been a diverse range and large variety of work submitted including clay, glass, collage, paint and pastels.

“Children and young people have really embraced the brief and truly demonstrates the amount of creativity and imagination in the borough”

The exhibition will run at The World Of Glass until Saturday, May 18.