GIGGLESWICK School pupil Jack Harrison has scooped first prize in a national essay writing competition.

Jack, 16, who lives in Giggleswick, was the winner in his age group in the ‘Write on Art’ competition, run by cultural education charity, Art UK.

One of a shortlist of 60, his victory was announced at a prize-winning ceremony at the Paul Mellon Centre in London.

Jack’s winning piece enthused students about artist Christopher Nevinson’s war painting ‘La Mitrailleuses’. He was commended for making connections between Nevinson’s trench imagery and religious symbolism, referring to his own visit to the World War One battlefields with Giggleswick’s history department.

Judges included best-selling crime author Val McDermid and author and journalist Louisa Buck.

Val said: ‘‘The overwhelming impression I took away from reading the Write on Art entries was the passionate engagement of the fledgling critics. What shone through was genuine responses that went far beyond a dry academic exercise. We’re constantly told that young people are only willing to engage with constantly shifting digital content – these reactions demonstrate how wrong a judgement that is. I came away feeling more optimistic about the future of art.”

Jack won £500 and the possibility of an internship with Art UK.

Headteacher Mark Turnbull said: “Our congratulations go to Jack. His work explained how colour and symbolism gave greater intensity to the ideas of war and sacrifice. He also likened aspects of the piece to the work of Banksy with its dramatic shadow. We are delighted with his success.”