From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, May 13, 2008

TWO LUCKY winners will be receiving BMX bikes after beating off stiff competition in the Grand Western Canal art competition.

Young people across Devon were invited to submit artwork in any format inspired by any aspect of the Grand Western Canal, such as its beautiful scenery or the boats which travel along it.

A total of 88 entries were received, with young people entering some fantastic pieces of art work. All the entries will be on display during 'A Grand Western Weekend' festival on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May at the Mid Devon showground, near Halberton. The festival will be open from 10:30am until 5pm on both days, so people can view the pieces from out budding young artists.

The winners and runners up in the two age categories are as follows:

5 to 10 years - Winner: Anya Phillips (age 7); runners up - Ellen Osbourne (5); Ashton Fox (7); Anne Hoolway (8); Patrick Seward (10); Nesta Wilson (10)

11 to 16 years - Winner - Thomas Martin (11); runner up - Ross Chatwood (14).

The winners will each receive new bikes or cycle equipment to the value of £130 while there are trips on the Tiverton Canal Company's horsedrawn barge for the runners up. The prizes were generously donated by both Councillor Des Hannon and the Tiverton Canal Company's owners, Phil and Jacquie Brind. Each runner up will receive a family ticket (2 Adults and 3 Children) to go on the last horsedrawn barge in the south west.

Said Councillor Hannon: "The young people's artwork is fantastic - what a great way to start the countdown to the Grand Western Weekend"

"We were incredibly impressed with the standard and number of entries for this competition. The winners are brilliant - all of them - and we're so pleased that we are awarding extra runners up prizes so even more young people and their families can enjoy a day out on the canal."

For more information about 'A Grand Western Weekend' please contact the Ranger Service on 01884 254072. Visit www.devon.gov.uk/grandwesternweekend

Ends

Photo opportunity: For further information please contact the Press Office.

4pm on Wednesday, May 14, at The Tiverton Canal Basin Visitor Centre (portacabin next to horsedrawn barge ticket office), Tiverton, with some of the competition winners, Councillor Des Hannon and the artwork created by the entrants.