The competition was one of the highlights of our annual celebration of marine wildlife, held at St Bees recently. Their winning entry was a dramatic depiction of a mythical sea monster, or kraken, clambering on board a boat.

Sam and Arthur won a family ticket to Muncaster Castle and a ride on the Lakeland and Haverthwaite Railway for their imaginative artwork. Second prize was awarded to Izzy Clark and Ani-Ina Hughes for their octopus; five-year-old Albert Hurn came third with two impressive sea creatures and Poppy Bailey and Rhys Mackie were fourth, with a huge crab. This year prizes were presented by Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland.

No fewer than 85 people entered the competition to create sand sculptures inspired by wildlife in the Irish Sea. It was just one popular event during the day-long festival, which was attended by around 200 people. Event organiser Sian Bentley, Conservation Apprentice at Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “Beached Art 2018 was a great success, with lots of families coming to the stunning beach at St Bees to celebrate the festival with us in glorious sunshine. The rockpool rambles and guided walks were particularly popular. It’s great to be able to inspire people about the amazing wildlife and habitats found on our Cumbrian beaches and in the Irish Sea, and to show how Cumbria Wildlife Trust is working hard to protect them for the future!”