A BUDDING young artist has seen her design come to life after winning a competition run by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Eleven-year-old Merryn Gilby, who lives in Monk Sherborne, was the winner of the competition that was launched by the borough council in February to design a flower bed as a tribute to servicemen who fought in the 1914-18 conflict.

And the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Roger Gardiner and Mayoress Tricia Gardiner have now showed Merryn and 11-year-old runner-up Harvey Mills the finished product at Eastrop Park.

As well as seeing her creation, which features a variety of different coloured flowers in a prominent oval flower bed, the Priory Primary School pupil was presented with a certificate and a £50 Festival Place voucher.

Merryn said: “I was really surprised to win but very pleased.”

Runner-up Harvey Mills, from Tadley, was also given a certificate and £50 Festival Place voucher for his efforts.

Cllr Gardiner said: “It is really fitting that young people should be marking this poignant anniversary in our history in such a creative way – a real link between the generations.”

For more information on the competition and other activities to mark the centenary of the First World War, visit basing stoke.gov.uk/go/WW1.