Hot competition in open air art contest

Entitled 'En Plein Air,' meaning in the open air, entrants were given the choice between four natural beauty spots in and around Windsor and Eton.

These were Windsor Bridge, Peascod Street, Eton Brocas and the Long Walk in front of Windsor Castle.

Competitors were then given three hours to paint the scenery before returning their finished masterpieces to Windsor Royal Shopping for judging by a panel of expert.

Organised by the Windsor and Eton town partnership and Windsor Events, it was the first competition of its kind to be held in the town.

Organisers took inspiration from similar En Plein Air competitions that take places in various locations across the world.

The event attracted more than 20 artists, who painted pictures ranging from traditional water-colours to those with a more modern twist.

The winning entry was a painting of the Long Walk by Harriet Brittaine from Windsor, who received a £500 prize for her traditional interpretation of the view.

Town manager Paul Roach, who was impressed by the diversity of the pictures produced, said: "This isn't just about painting it's about doing stuff in the open air."

He added: "When the weather was like it was the views from north, south, east and west were spectacular - we hope this will be the first 'En Plein Air' of many."

A coronation themed competition for children was also held on the day in King Edward Court Shopping Centre.

A gazebo was decked out with fake grass and coronation themed items which helped to inspire their artwork.