Children and artists from across the borough came together for a bi-annual art exhibition on Thursday at a Whetstone church hall.

The exhibition, at St Andrew’s Parish Church, was opened by West End art gallery owner and dealer David Mason OBE, who also helped judge prizes for works including submissions from students at Totteridge Academy and St Andrew’s School.

The idea for the art show came from a desire to give community and student artists the opportunity to showcase their work, which has evolved into a forum for imaginative and sculptural work alongside paintings and other works.

Reverend Tim Seago, who is involved in organising the exhibition, said: “As a priest and artist myself, I have long recognised the importance of nurturing the human imagination and of how this contributes to the development of spiritual and cognitive skills for people everywhere.

“It can be revelatory for both artist and observer to see the way these abilities grow and find expression in such a wide variety of ways. I very much believe that everyone has artistic ability even if they don’t realise it.”

The awards were given to Luca Adams for Best Junior and Sarah Wicken for Best Senior, while the best in show went to a Totteridge Academy student.