THE ARTISTIC talent of two St Laurence School pupils was recognised last week after they won prizes in the county wide Pound Young Arts Open Competition 2015.

Sixth former Harvey Sheff and Year 10 pupil Emily Hoad received the accolades at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham for their pinhole photography work and graphite paintings.

Emily was awarded the Overall Winner prize, including a £50 cheque, and Harvey was the Highly Commended category winner and was presented with an easel.

“I only entered because my mum said I should and I didn’t even think about going to the awards show, so to win the whole thing, which included sixth form students, was so unexpected,” said Emily.

“Some of the other drawings were so impressive so yes it really was a huge surprise. I would love to work in an art college doing this.”

Harvey was equally modest about claiming his accolade for his work, which involved creating a darkroom, and then mixing chemicals with water and using light sensitive paper to develop the photos.

“It is really wonderful and I was really surprised to win this award. I didn’t think much of the photos myself,” he said.

“It is a good passion to have and an exciting thing to do. I only got into it in the last year and it is something I might do more of in the future.”

Art and photography teacher Danielle Arundel lauded the Bradford on Avon school’s youngsters for their innovative and mature designs.

“I am absolutely thrilled form them. I love to encourage people to display their work and I am so happy that Harvey and Emily have done that,” she said.

“They’re both fantastic pieces. You can see how much thought has gone into their work. It is very mature and high quality.”