Joe Durward’s ‘Turning their backs on war’ has reached the national final of the 2017/18 Lions International Peace Poster competition.

In its 30th year, the competition encourages young people in local schools and youth groups to express their visions of peace. The theme of the 2017/18 Peace Poster contest was ‘The Future of Peace’.

Each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.

Joe won first prize at Ringwood School for his ‘Turning their backs on war’ peace poster. He then went on to win the district stage of judging (covering the South Coast) and reached the national final. Whilst Joe’s work was not selected as the overall winner at the national stage, Mr Stephen Sherring, president of the Lions Club of Ringwood and Fordingbridge said, “This is a wonderful achievement for Joe Durward and Ringwood School and is testament to all the hard work that both students and staff put into participating in this global art competition. Lions Clubs International annually receive submissions from approximately 500,000 students from around the world. Joe’s submission was stunning and he should be extremely proud of reaching the national final.”

In recognition of his achievements, Joe and his family have received an invitation to attend this year’s Lions District Annual Convention taking place at the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea on Saturday 24 March. At this event Joe will be awarded the Lions District Peace Poster Trophy and will receive a cheque for £75.

Mr Anton Pigott, subject leader for art at Ringwood School said, “The Art Department greatly values our involvement in the competition and with Lions Club, which continues to offer students an opportunity to explore their creativity outside of lesson time. Many students gave up their free time to produce yet another excellent shortlist. Well done to Joe, who we felt produced a strong message with his poster.”