A young artist from Richmond has been awarded the top prize for his age category in the Secondary Schools Art competition.

James Brown, 15-years-old, at Teddington school, came first in the 11-15 age group - winning the school £1,000 worth of art equipment and £500 for himself at a prize giving ceremony, in Shoreditch, in May.

Organised by children's charity, Children & the Arts, in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, children were invited to submit an original 2D piece of artwork, inspired by the theme, Perspective.

James said: "I’m really into cycling and I figured that a mountain scene would give good perspective, which was the brief - looking down the mountain at the different levels of roads gave the impression that it was dropping away.

"I was very happy to win the age group and I have bought a new bike with the prize money."

Professional artist, Jack Brown, created special resources to help the young artists with their creativity and to challenge themselves – making use of drawing, painting, collage and print-making.

Mr Dave Reuben, Art Teacher at Teddington School, said: "James has been an exceptional student since Year 7.

"He has consistently been creating excellent works of Art. and we are so proud of him and his work and expect him to perform well in his Art GCSE next year."

The competition attracted 850 entries from secondary school children across London and Essex across the three categories; age 11-15 years old, 16-18 years old, and Special Educational Needs and a panel of nine celebrity judges selected three winners from a shortlist of 30.

Lady Frances Petchey, one of the judges said: "I was amazed by the imagination and ambition of the young artists, and thrilled to have that sense of excitement when you discover something quite special for the first time.

“Whilst there can only be so many winners I know that finding this wonderful pleasure of painting and drawing will stay with these young people forever.

“Thank you to everyone who entered the Children & the Arts Secondary School Art Prize, and congratulations to the winners and all on our shortlist."

The competition is linked closely with the work of Children & the Arts, which delivers quality arts experiences to disadvantaged children through national programmes encompassing the entire range of arts.

For more information on the charity visit www.childrenandarts.org.uk