TALENTED schoolchildren have impressed judges in a competition that involved drawing landmarks in the area. Pupils from Guilden Morden Primary School in Pound Green have taken part in an art project, organised by the Guilden Morden Church restoration comm

TALENTED schoolchildren have impressed judges in a competition that involved drawing landmarks in the area.

Pupils from Guilden Morden Primary School in Pound Green have taken part in an art project, organised by the Guilden Morden Church restoration committee.

The pupils had to draw various aspects of the village, with winning entries being turned into postcards and displayed in St Mary's Church.

Organiser Petar Stojic said: "The village doesn't have a postcard, and we thought it would be a nice idea to get schoolchildren to design them.

"It's good to have a postcard that identifies the village."

The winning designs were chosen by a panel of judges, that included Mike Berry, the owner of Ashwell Gallery, and The Crow's graphic artist Nicky Maule.

Winners were Isaac Ponsford, Samantha Tate, and Ryan Timms.

Mr Berry described the standard of artwork as very high.

He added: "It is inspiring to see the village through the eyes of children, and interesting to see how they observe things that we sometimes take for granted.

"I am keen to encourage them to develop their artistic talent, as art can be a great way for them to express themselves."

Seventy-five pupils took part in the competition, and designs included the school, St Mary's Church, the Old School House, and the old bakery.

Miss Maule said: "It was difficult to choose the winning pictures because they were all really good.

"I was particularly impressed by the different approaches the children used, and their sense of perspective and attention to detail - they certainly displayed a great amount of talent."

Headteacher Sue Arnold said: "The project has been a great idea. The kids have loved taking part. They've had a lot of fun and it's been good for them to meet professionals.

"The school values art very highly, and I hope we will be able to take part in future projects.

"It's been a fantastic link to the church and businesses."

The postcards will be on display at St Mary's Church, in Church Street over the next two weeks.

They will also be on sale to help raise funds for the church's restoration appeal.

- Fund-raising continues on Saturday when the Guilden Morden Christmas Market comes to St Mary's Church with a wide range of crafts and produce on sale.

The event will run from 11am-2pm and tickets at £1 with a glass of mulled wine, are available on the door. Proceeds will be donated to the restoration of the church.