TALENTED artists have persuaded health chiefs to consider making a mental health showcase an annual event.

More than 70 exhibits were produced in response to a call to explore different themes covering mental health in a groundbreaking arts and poetry competition.

The strength and depth of the artworks involved could mean a repeat of the thought-provoking event, jointly organised by MIND, based in Market Street, Earlestown, and Newton and Haydock Community Mental Health Team.

Event organiser Jane Sanderson, who works for Warrington Community Health Care Trust, said: "We have never done anything like this before but it turned out to be a success."

The overall winner was fine art expert Frances Heyes, closely followed by runner-up Janice Johnson, whose poem Visit From the CPN impressed judges. Third prize was awarded to a collage by Sean Fitzhenry.

Initially the competition was only supposed to feature adult entrants but there were so many contributions from junior artists that word wizard Katie Horsfield was presented with a £10 gift voucher.

Themes touched upon mental health, mental illness, disability and emotional distress with four categories - art, the written word, photography and crafts.

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