Winners of an art competition received an extra boost when their prizes were handed over by Southend's first citizen, Mayor Nora Goodman.

All entries were from the Southend Art Club's spring selection of nearly 200 works of art which are now on show at Beecroft Art Gallery, Westcliff.

The club holds two exhibitions a year and each of its 200 plus members submit four pieces, from which a final selection is made.

Winner of the "most outstanding painting in the show" award went to Ian Deaves of Rayleigh who is a relative newcomer to the club and received the Howard Brooke plaque of honour.

Judges were impressed with his water-colour of South Street, Rochford, and the piece was quickly snapped up by a buyer.

Best oil award went to Gwen Arthy for her painting, Lucy in Costume.

The Stockwell Bowl prize for the best water-colour went to Brian Jones and the best drawing prize was awarded to Pam Ellingford.

Art club publicity officer, Janice Bull, said: "Most of our members took up painting when they retired.

"Considering the show is a selective one, the standard is very, very high. There are some beautiful works of art here and quite a few have already been bought."

The exhibition will be on show at the Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Westcliff, until April 3.

Winner - mayor Nora Goodman inspects Ian Deaves entry with club chairman John Rumsby

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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