The "RU A Sculpture Vulture" competition, judged on November 24, produced artwork of elephants, pandas, tigers, crocodiles and a host of other animals.

Pupils from junior and senior schools across the borough entered the competition, along with 39th Blackpool Guides and several members of the public who took part in a lifelong learning workshop.

Event co-ordinator Duncan Broadbent said the judges took two and a half hours to choose winners from the 43 entries. The judging party included Blackpool Mayor Councillor Sue Wright and MPs Joan Humble and Gordon Marsden.

All the exhibits have been on show at Blackpool's Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street, but the winning barn owl sculpture is now expected to be transferred to Blackpool Zoo for display.

Mr Broadbent added: "The standards were very high. At the end of the judging someone came in and asked to buy the exhibits -- that's a first!"

The winners will be invited to a special award ceremony in Blackpool tomorrow (Friday).