THE Farnham (Building Preservation) Trust has presented prizes to dozens of budding young artists and writers who entered its 50th anniversary children’s art and writing competition.

The trust, founded by Sir John Verney and Richard Dufty in 1968, wanted to celebrate the diverse heritage of the built environment of Farnham by engaging with the next generation of potential Farnham residents – and so launched its inaugural school’s competition.

All schools from around Farnham were invited to participate, with pupils challenged to express what buildings excite and inspire them in the town through a piece of art or writing.

Hundreds rose to the chellenge, submitting sketches, paintings, poems, short stories and even models, and judging took place at Tindle Newspapers’ headquarters The Old Court House in Union Road in October, with Tindle Newspapers’ director Wendy Craig, town clerk Iain Lynch, the trust’s president Michael Blower, Gemma Curtis of the Farnham Maltings and Herald chief reporter Daniel Gee handed the tough task of picking the winners.

This was followed by a very well attended prize-giving ceremony at The Bush Hotel.

Lucy Rodd, of the Farnham Trust, said: “The trust was delighted to receive such a wide range of entries, featuring the castle right up to modern commercial buildings, and the judges were amazed at the standard.

“Following the success of the competition and the amazing response from the schools that took part, the Farnham Trust have been encouraged to hold future activities that will engage with our younger generation and inspire them to take a more active role in the rich heritage of Farnham. The trust are discussing others ways in which we can be more involved with schools.”

Results (first, second and third only):

* Year R and Year 1: 1st Amelie Pettitt (Rowledge), 2nd Eleanor Howell (Hale), 3rd Emily Smith (Rowledge).

* Year 2, Year 3 & Year 4: 1st Kitty Levin (South Farnham), 2nd Faizan Malik (South Farnham), 3rd Lily Orchard (South Farnham).

* Year 5 & Year 6: 1st William Climenco (South Farnham), 2nd Phobe Marman and Charlotte Hill (both South Farnham), 3rd Jenny Chen (South Farnham).