Sixteen primary school children proved they were easel-y the best young artists in Kent by collecting prizes at the Perfect Packed Lunch Awards.

Hundreds of entries were received for the annual creative writing and artwork contest staged by the KM Charity Team. Entrants were required to draw or paint the perfect lunchbox meal for an imaginary character and write about what made their creation so special.

The 16 finalists were invited to an award ceremony at the Turner Contemporary, Margate where they were presented with certificates and family tickets for Silver Blades ice rink.

The youngsters will also have the once in a lifetime opportunity to see their masterpieces on display at the Turner Contemporary until July 3.

Four competition entries received the additional accolade of being best in the district and were rewarded with vouchers for Dickens World. The winners were Oliver Appleton from Cliftonville Primary, Margate; Sky Harrison from Richmond Academy, Sheerness; Dominic Bull of Joy Lane Primary, Whitstable; and Leah French of Platts Heath Primary, Maidstone.

Talented Leah went on to be named overall Perfect Packed Lunch Awards champion and received a P&O Ferries voucher as her prize.

All finalists received glossy souvenir books featuring their pictures and creative writing to take home produced by Whitstable business Art Projects for Schools.

Molly Molloy from the Turner Contemporary said: “When we were looking at the entries we were amazed by their imagination with the writing and the artwork. It’s really inspiring to see young people engaging in this.”

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “The judges were impressed by the number and quality of entries this year and have selected our wonderful finalists and winners for their creativity, literacy skills and artistic flair.

“I’d like to thank all our key partners including Telcare, Golding Vision and Mini Babybel for their support in making this event such a success.”

For more details and to view this year’s entries, visit www.perfectpackedlunch.org.uk.

• Businesses interested in becoming partners for next year’s event should contact Simon Dolby at sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 07989 164 752.