BUDDING artist Andrew Allen has taken his first step towards world recognition by winning the local round of an international art contest.

Andrew, a year-seven pupil at All Saints' RC High School, Rawtenstall, impressed the judges from Rossendale Lions Club in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

His success could be rewarded with an all-expenses paid holiday to Hawaii.

Andrew, 11, was one of more than 325,000 young people from around the world who submitted work on the theme: "A new beginning for peace." He said: "I used a swan to represent the two in the year 2000. In the three circles I used the cross, dove and CND sign."

Hundreds of pupils at Rossendale schools submitted entries.

Andrew's poster will now go on to the regional round, and could then go through to the international final.

One person will be selected from 24 finalists to win £1,000 plus a trip to the awards ceremony at the Lions Club International Convention in Honolulu.

John Ogley, president of Rossendale Lions, said: "We hope that Andrew's vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world."

Runner-up in the local competition was Richard Hampson, 11, also an All Saints' pupil.

Mike Vizzard, deputy head teacher, said: "We are really proud of them for all the hard work they have done with their teacher, Mrs Gorton.

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