THERE has been much to celebrate in a Tyne Valley community – the creative talents of many young people.

Volunteers in Haydon Bridge joined together to provide a competition in a wide variety of categories - from soap carving and stone painting, to writing, art, and even elephant making.

Children from two to 16 met the various challenges with some wonderful creations, which thoroughly impressed the adult judges. Due to Covid-19, all entries were submitted via email, with photos of exhibits taken accordingly.

In the soap carving, entrants were asked to design a template before carving their design on to soap. The age two to six category was won by Ellen Kirsopp, while Wilf Wakeman took the seven to 11 prize.

For the stone painting, children were asked to find a stone from the River South Tyne or their home gardens, to paint their own design.

The age category winners were: 2-6 James Clarke, 7-11 Wilf Wakeman, and 12-16 Courtney Crawford.

Any material was allowed as imaginative youngsters designed and made their own elephants. Age category winners were: 2-6 James Clarke, 7-11 Callie Thompson, 12-16 Annabel Wakeman.

Children were asked to offer a helping hand to their families, with tasks including making beds, cooking, and drying dishes. Age category winners were: 2-6 James Clarke and Myla-Rose Stobbs, 7-11 Wilf Wakeman, 12-16 E. Gray and Annabel Wakeman.

Some of the youngsters drew inspiration from lockdown for the art competition. Age category winners were: 2-6 James Clarke, 7-11 Wilf Wakeman.

Young writers were asked to create a poem, short story, newspaper article or another factual piece about the coronavirus pandemic. Age category winners were; 7-11 Wilf Wakeman, 12-16 Annabel Wakeman.

Experiences of life during the pandemic also inspired a song competition, with some entering videos of performances, while others submitted written lyrics. Annabel Wakeman was the 12-16 age group winner.

The competition pack was put together by the Haydon Bridge Fun, Food and Friends Club, which will be putting together another pack for October half-term.

The club expressed thanks to all who contributed: Pauline, John and Elliot Johnson-Wallis, John and Hayley Turner, Hayley Ellen Watson of the Crafty Mare, Rosie Li Armstrong, Ken Cook, The Hexham Courant, Nadine April Glover, Gayle Baty of Little Badgers Nursery, Pauline Watson, Heaven Scent by LM, Samantha Thwaites of Vallum Lodge Guest House, and Graham Higgins.