THE winners and runners-up in this year's Gwent Young Artist of the Year competition showcase all that is good about young people in this area.

The Argus contest, which we run in conjunction with the Riverfront theatre and the University of South Wales, is in its third year and is extremely popular with children of all ages.

Winners this year ranged in age from pre-school to late teens, with the extremely talented Casey-Leigh Prosser taking the overall prize of £450, a glass trophy and a certificate.

The 15-year-old is studying early for an A-level in art at Blackwood Comprehensive School.

Our judges have a tough task every year but this year was harder than ever, such was the quality of the artwork submitted.

There are some true young talents out there and we hope our winners and nominees keep developing their artistic talents. Perhaps winning our competition might be a stepping stone for a Turner Prize winner one day. Who knows?

The Argus is proud to run the Gwent Young Artist of the Year competition and we are grateful, as ever, for the support of our friends at the university and the Riverfront. Between them, they provide the prizes and an exhibition space for the best entries.

So congratulations to Casey-Leigh and our other winners and we look forward to an even bigger and better competition next year.