The winners of a children’s art competition, run by a Mansfield District Council-led heritage project, have been announced.

The competition was one of the community activities run by Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project, a five-year scheme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the fabric of buildings in parts of the town centre and encourage people to participate in heritage conservation.

Children were asked to imagine and draw or paint what the buildings could look like once they get a revamp.

Taking the top prize, donated by Smyths Toys and worth £100, was six-year-old Chloe Daykin, of Forest Town.

Her drawing of The Vault bar and bistro building was described by the judge, Clare Taylor, founder and owner of Bus and Bird Arts, a community arts organisation based in Mansfield, as a “great dynamic image” and having a “lovely use of colour and line”.

The youngster, who attends Abbey Primary School, Mansfield, was diagnosed with autism three years ago. She recently made the news by offering to sell prints of her competition pictures to raise money for charity group Spectrum Wasp, which supports families and children with autism.

As well as her winning picture, Chloe also drew the town centre, Church Street, the war memorial and the Brunts building.

Second prize of a Smyths Toys voucher worth £50 went to Holly Hopkin, 10, whose drawing was described as “well observed and an imaginative use of colour”.

Third was six-year-old Archie Soanes Brown, whose picture was described as having “lots of well observed and delightful details”. Archie’s prize was a £35 voucher.

Runner-up was Harry Seewoochurn, whose drawing had “careful observation and artistic flair”. He won a £15 voucher.

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “The entries for the competition were all excellent and it was very difficult for our brave judge to choose the best.

“I was so impressed with Chloe and liked her picture so much I bought a print and it is now framed and has pride of place in my home.

“Look out for more community events and learning opportunities and chances to get involved in this exciting project in the months ahead.”

Photos of the winning entries and more details about the project can be found on the project’s website — https://www.mansfieldtownscape.org.uk/.

Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project is a council-led scheme, backed by £850,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It forms a significant part of the council’s Growth and Aspiration agendas.

It is offering grants of up 75% to enable property owners to carry out repairs in sympathy with their building’s heritage.

Delivered in partnership with Mansfield BID, Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Nottinghamshire County Council, it will also have opportunities for volunteers in a programme of community activities and events.

These include conservation and restoration workshops, historical research, oral history gathering, writing and story-telling, street theatre and art and photography activities.

One of the people behind the Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project said there will be more chances for the public to get involved.

Pete Brown, community participation co-ordinator, added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has delayed some of these activities but we were pleased to be able to go ahead with the art competition. There will be more opportunities in the weeks and months ahead — please keep an eye on the project website.

“In the meantime we want people in the district to add their memories, pictures and stories to the website, www.mansfieldtownscape.org.uk. People can upload video, audio or written documents about the project buildings.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the project can contact Pete at [email protected] or call 07811 693870.
Property owners interested in applying for a grant, should visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/townscapeheritage