A STANECASTLE School pupil has won a national award in the Tesco Bank Art Competition.

Stephen Brannigan won a special merit award for his entry and was presented with his prize at the Scottish National Galleries inEdinburgh, where his work has gone on display.

There were 119 entries from North Ayrshire this year and 7000 submissions across Scotland.

Works from the National Galleries of Scotland’s collection, were used to inspire young artists in each category and Stephen’s work was based on John McNairn’s Eyemouth Sea Shore Jour de Fête (Wind).

Sir John Leighton, Director-General, National Galleries of Scotland, commented: “Once again we have been greatly impressed by the quality of work submitted from all over the country, and would like give to all of our winners a very big cheer.

“We hope that they have all had lots of fun entering the competition and learning about their own national collection – and of course we are delighted to be able to show their fabulous works of art in the National Galleries of Scotland this summer.” Adele Mills, Senior Community Investment Manager, Tesco Bank, added: “The winners came from far and wide across the country and, once again, it was a delight to meet so many talented artists.

"Judging was very difficult due to the quality and quantity of art received this year so huge congratulations go to Stephen.”