Two talented young artists from Essex recognised in Young Kennel Club Artist of the Year competition

The Young Kennel Club (YKC) has announced the winners of its annual Artist of the Year competition, with a young dog lover from Witham, Essex scooping the top prize.

The popular art competition invited YKC members to express their creativity and showcase their dog artistry skills, with all entries required to feature a dog and fit the theme: "Bright and Bold."

The creativity and originality of all the entries impressed the judges, but the overall winner was named as Bonnie Lloyd, aged eight, with her image, titled 'Forest', which depicts Bonnie's dog Forest who sadly passed away a few months ago.

Speaking of her win Bonnie said: "I feel so happy and excited to have won first place in YKC Artist of the Year!

"Forest was the best boy and always loved a hug. The rainbow of colours represent how happy he made me feel and the flowers are for joy."

Second place was won by 14-year-old Isabelle Wakefield, from Harlow, Essex, for her image "Splatter of Colour", which portrays a dog enjoying a colourful paddle, and is based on the adventurous times her dog, Ezra, has when in water.

Speaking of her achievement Isabelle said: "I'm really happy to have achieved 2nd place after lots of effort being put into my painting. It really has shown that dedication has paid off."

Helen Kerfoot, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club added: "Congratulations to Bonnie on her well-deserved win. We were so impressed with her artwork, which not only met the brief perfectly, but is a beautiful tribute to Forest.

"We would like to also congratulate Isabelle on her vibrant artwork which really demonstrated her artistic talent. The standard was incredibly high this year and we are so proud to have such creative young members."

All of this year's entries, as well as further information on the competition, can be found by visiting thekennelclub.org.uk/ykcartistoftheyear.  For young dog lovers who are interested in joining the Young Kennel Club, further information can be found by visiting thekennelclub.org.uk/YKC.