Pavement art on Weymouth seafront

Youngsters from Budmouth Technology College and eight primary schools from across the resort created pavement art along the Esplanade on the theme ‘Strength in Nature’.

The winning designs were captured on camera and will be submitted to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for the final heat of this national competition.

Vikki Gibson, head of art at Budmouth Technology College and the organiser of the event, said: “This year was our biggest event yet, with 220 students taking part.

“The standard was exceptionally high and competing artists were selected from more than 1,600 designs done in the classroom.

“Students worked hard to create original and eye-catching designs which would appeal to the judges and win them a place in the finals in London.

“We were very lucky with the weather and the rain stayed away once again.”

It was the sixth year that Budmouth have taken part in the competition and they were joined by primary school pupils from Conifers, Wyke Juniors, Beechcroft, St John’s St Nicholas and St Laurence, Chickerell, St Augustine’s and Radipole.

The competition, run by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, aims to raise money to fund vital research into treatments and cures for muscle disease.

Every student paid a £2 donation to take part and the Weymouth event raised around £420.

Budmouth winners included 11-year-old Sommer Jakeman, Isis Hill in the 12 to 14-year-old category, 15-year-old Elysia Neal and Year 12 pupil Maddie Pulstone for best banner.

Primary school winners included Emma Dobson of St John’s, Rachel Baylis of Radipole, Tegan Maw of Chickerell, Josie Wood of St Nicholas and St Laurence, Sami Ryan of Conifers, Coner Toomey of St Augustine’s, Jacob Read of Beechcroft and Finn Dewell of Wyke Juniors.

Young artists from Radipole Primary won the best banner design category for the second year running.

Winners from each school are now entered into the national final.