A SIR John Deane’s Sixth Form student has been recognised as one of the region's most talented young artists following a week-long tour of Italy.

Sophie Heywood scooped the overall prize for best young artist after being selected for the prestigious Young Artists in Italy Tour, which took place over the half term break.

She was joined by fellow Sir John Deane’s students Anna DeSouza, Jemina Rose-Bannag, Kelly Kerfoot, Amy Sprat, Laura Harvey, Ellen Watson and Emily Heatley.

The Renaissance-inspired trip has a reputation for quality and involves gifted and talented students from across Cheshire and the Wirral, with Simon Davies, art teacher at Sir John Deane’s, as its director.

“Once again our students enjoyed the unique opportunity to study and work in Tuscany, which is home to some of the most significant art and architecture in the world,” he said.

“We travelled across the region to see first-hand the work of Italian Renaissance artists with students working long hours into the night to complete their work.”

As part of the tour the students were asked to design and make a costume based on Italian architecture, as well as spending whole days drawing the scenic landscape.

The tour also included visits to Sienna, Arrezzo, San Supolcro, Monterchi and Florence to discover the work of some of the regions’ most recognisable artists.

As well as the overall prize for best young artists, Laura Harvey won best costume, while Ellen Watson and Emily Heatley won best sketchbooks.

The culminating exhibition of costumes, sketchbooks and more large-scale final pieces will be on display at the Williamson Art Gallery, near Birkenhead, from Sunday, December 10.