Creative talent was on show when two local senior schools entered the Lions International Peace Poster competition. This encourages youngsters to show their artistic ability as well as expressing their view, aspirations and hopes for peace with the theme “The Future of Peace”.

Entries were judged by Members of Bexhill Lions with a winner being chosen from each school. An overall winner was then selected and entered into the next round, which covered 23 Lions Clubs in SE England.

The local winners were Alicia Haines from Bexhill Academy and

Gabriella Stein, from St Richard’s Catholic College. Gabriella went on to win 3rd place in the District competition – a great achievement.

In assembly at St Richard’s, Lion President Clare Kersley presented Gabriella with a trophy and gift vouchers for artist materials. Mr Adrian Peachment, subject leader-art received a certificate and a cheque for £150 for materials for the art department from Sue Cassell,Youth Committee Chair.

At Bexhill Academy, Alicia received a voucher and trophy for being the school winner and Alexandra Baker Teacher of Art received a certificate and a cheque for £75 for artist material for the school.

Sue Cassell Youth Committee Chair said “There were so many amazing entries this year that it was really difficult to choose the winning entries. So well done Gabriella and Alicia. Probably the most rewarding part of this competition is that so many young people demonstrate their desire for peace in a very poweful way.”

Lion President Clare Kersley added ” Our congratulations not only to the winners Gabriella and Alicia but also to all the students who took part. I would also like to thank the teaching staff in the art Departments at St. Richard’s and Bexhill Academy for their continued support and encouragement of their pupils to participate in this competition.”

The competition is open to young people aged 11-13 years from schools or youth groups and invites them to express creatively their hopes and aspirations for the world. The theme for the 2018-19 competition is “Kindness Matters”.