The design for a £16,000 bronze resinated sculpture for Canvey seafront has finally been unveiled.

Winner - the hand Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

More than 30 teenagers drew up designs for the project, after the scheme was awarded a £15,000 Lottery grant and £1,000 funding from the youth action service.

The competition, which was open to all island teenagers, was launched four months ago, under the lottery's Young Roots scheme, which encourages young people to take an interest in their personal, social and cultural history.

The winning design, created by 14-year-old Vicky Moore, was revealed yesterday as a hand of friendship coming out of the sea, holding the island.

The entries were judged by sculptor Pam Taylor, Emily Redgate from the development team at Castle Point Council, Canvey 2000's Dennis Williams and Canvey councillor Ray Howard.

Mr Williams said: "It was really difficult for us to decide on a winner.

"The work these kids have put into researching the project, and then eventually coming up with a design, is phenomenal."

Published Thursday August 12, 2004

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