COLOURFUL paintings, paper mache models and origami pieces were among the items on display as the artistic talent of Gwent shone through at the final of our competition to find the best young artist in the area.

Amelia Seren Roberts, 17, of Little Mill, Pontypool, was named the South Wales Argus Young Gwent Artist of the Year at a prize-giving evening held at the city's Riverfront Theatre.

Miss Roberts won £400 for her striking painting entitled ‘Self portrait: Inhale’.

The Caerleon Comprehensive student, who will start a foundation course in art at Cardiff University in September, said: "I’m a little bit shocked but really pleased. I didn’t think it was going to be me."

Jessica Jones, 17, of Pontypool, won the category for 12 to 18 year olds with her piece named ‘The Beauty of Age’ which was a charcoal drawing of her grandmother Sarah Edmunds.

Jessica Richardson, 18, of Croesyceiliog, was named runner up in the category with her painting depicting the ‘Effects of Teenage Drinking’.

In the category for children up to and including 11-year-olds, Daniel Taylor, nine, of Maesglas, took the winning title with his painting of the Transporter Bridge entitled ‘Transporter DT’ while Jarod Graham-Sawyers, 11, of Abergavenny, was named runner-up with his ‘Origami paper dragon’.

Each winner claimed £350 while the runners-up won £200. Trophies and certificates were also handed out and free cinema tickets supplied by Cineworld were given to all the other shortlisted entrants who attended the event.

The competition was run by your Argus along with the University of Wales, Newport and the Riverfront Theatre.

From 337 entries, a shortlist of 33 was drawn up by judges Nicolas Young, theatre and arts director at the Riverfront, Derek Lawther, Dean of the university’s school of art, media and design, and Nicole Garnon, deputy editor of the Argus.

Argus editor, Gerry Keighley announced the winners at the prize-giving evening along with vice-chancellor of the university Dr Peter Noyes who presented the prizes and Mr Young.

Mr Keighley said: "Many thanks to these young people for submitting this fantastic work which they can be proud of."

Dr Noyes added: "This has been a great opportunity for us to do something for the young people of Gwent who have tremendous talent in their artwork."