A STUDENT from Shebbear College has won an individual award at the Annual Schools Exhibition Awards at the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford.

Saskia Weale from the college won an individual award for her art alongside six other youngsters from the district.

Schools from across the Torridge district submit artwork for the exhibition. Every year it provides the opportunity to showcase the most creative and inventive work of some of Torridge's youngest artists.

Cllr Jane Whittaker, Torridge's lead member for communities, said: 'The annual schools exhibition is such a fantastic opportunity to support, celebrate and foster artistic talent.

'It is so important that children today are encouraged to be creative and use their imaginations; this exhibition really highlights that anyone can engage with, make and enjoy art. Exhibiting work at the Burton is a great way to reward and showcase the children's, and so the schools' and teachers', desire to be creative.'

The awards are supported by the North Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society (NDDFAS). They provide prizes for schools and individuals who win awards.