PICTURE perfect postcards were designed by creative students to win a Lowes Court competition.

Pupils from Bookwell School and St Bridget's Catholic School were asked to make and send a postcard to Lowes Court Gallery, Main Street, Egremont.

Six prize winners were chosen from across the two schools; Karina Rodwell, Grace Walker, Tilly Rodgers, Halle Anderson, Sienna Henry and Mischa McFadden.

Organiser Natalie Burns, from Lowes Court, said: "Lowes Court has always been an organisation that supports the community.

"Children were asked to design and send a postcard to the gallery of their favourite place in West Cumbria. We were inundated with entries which were displayed in the gallery."

The winning designs were of Whitehaven Harbour, Ennerdale, Derwentwater, Longlands Lake, Egremont Castle and Muncaster.

And the gallery hopes to inspire youngsters to continue participating in the arts.

"We have a new plan of working with the schools in the area to encourage children and families to use the gallery," said Mrs Burns.

"The long term goal is to have some of our artists delivering workshops in the schools."

She added: "Most teachers recognise the value of the arts in a rounded education but it seems that there has been a decrease in the uptake of arts subjects at GCSE level.

"The UK has a thriving creative industry and creates jobs and opportunities that are important to the wealth and culture of our country."

The next school project will see photography workshops delivered from Egremont Castle grounds, with participants making greeting cards to sell in the gallery.

Mrs Burns said: "The arts is also proven to be great for positive mental health and vital at a time when teachers are reporting higher levels of stress in school communities. I passionately believe that art is essential for everyone."