A PASSION for her home town has earned a Cleator Moor artist top spot in a community competition.

Sian Price has won the digital category – and best entry overall – in Cleator Moor Town Board’s ‘Past, Present and Future’ creative contest.

Residents were invited to submit a photo, video or piece of artwork that showcased their pride in Cleator Moor, and Sian’s striking creation was chosen by the judges.

Dave Fox, was selected as a winner in the photographic category, and both Sian and Dave, from Cleator Moor, will receive a prize of a family pass to The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven. Their work will also feature in the Town Board’s bid for Government funding for the town.

Sian, a former publican who now runs a successful tattoo studio, said: “I am chuffed to bits to win. I have lived in Cleator Moor all my life – I studied art at Sheffield then returned home - and I have always had a passion for art of any medium.

“I wanted to show our heritage and hopes for the future. My granddaughter is featured as the central figure, representing the future.”

Kayleigh Daniels, chairman of the Cleator Moor Town Board, said: “I think the submissions have really captured the essence of the town. Sian’s artwork manages to capture so many aspects of the town’s identity. The pride we have in our rich industrial past jumps right out, with a vibrancy that translates to how we want to see the town in the future. The thing that I love the most is that right at the centre of the art work is the people of the town, and that is so true for Cleator Moor, the centre and strength of our town has always been, and will always be, our people.

“In the photography category, Dave’s photographs of the Hen Beck area of the River Ehen is so well known to everyone with a connection to the town. It evokes memories of many summers 'down at the beck' for all generations, as well as showcasing the future potential of a town with such natural beauty on offer.”

The Town Board – made up of a range of community representatives - is developing a detailed bid to the Government’s Town Fund for up to £25m that will be submitted in January 2021. The ‘Past, Present and Future’ competition was devised by them to increase community involvement in the bid process.

For updates on the bid, go to Copeland council's website page or www.copeland.gov.uk/towns-fund-cleator-moor or @cleatormoortownfund on Facebook.