TALENTED young disabled artists were honoured with a top prize at a London awards ceremony last night.

The Unique Art Awards, the first of its kind, championed some of the country’s best undiscovered talent.

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Joshua Hodgkinson, 16, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, won the Gold Award in 3D sculpture and John Foley, 18, who has MLD (Metachromatic Leukodystrophy) and Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, won the Gold Award in poetry.

They submitted works inspired by the theme of ‘My World’ in the 15-21 age range.

Joshua currently attends Broadfield Specialist School in Oswaldwistle while John left recently.

Art teacher Frankie Freeman said: “Working at Broadfield School I have been fortunate enough to work with the most amazing students who not only work hard and consistently at any task given but also who are able to think creatively in the most unique ways.

“I am so thrilled that three of our students have got through to the finals of the Unique Arts Awards, two of whom have gained ‘Gold awards’. I am so proud of them and their work.”

The brainchild of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) Trust Fund for Training of Handicapped Children in the Arts, the national competition celebrates five artistic mediums and opened for entries nationwide April to July this year for artists aged seven to 21-years-old. Tom Yendell, chairman of the board of trustees for the MFPA Trust Fund and himself a mouth and foot painting artist, said: ‘The calibre of entries was superb and we are thrilled at how many we received for our first award but both Joshua and John’s pieces were a favourite amongst all the judges.

“We hope they enjoy putting their prizes of art vouchers to good use. The Unique Art Awards is such an exciting initiative to showcase some incredible artistic talent.”

“We’re looking forward to returning for another round in 2017.”

The MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Handicapped Children in the Arts was established in 1989 by the British members of the international self-help co-operative, the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

The aim of the trust is to provide financial assistance for individuals and organisations to further the development of disabled children in all artistic disciplines.