In the run-up to Armed Forces Day, an art competition was launched for 9 to 14 year olds which asked them to draw, sketch, paint or photograph their personal hero. The competition closed on Friday 26 June and the judges have now selected their winner.

Winner: Katie Saunders, aged 13 from Ruislip

Judges included the Armed Forces Day programme manager, Air Commodore Martin Sharp, the Head of the MOD Art Collection, Charlotte Henwood and civilian artist Arabella Dorman.

Collectively the judges chose Katie Saunders, aged 13 from Ruislip, as their winner with her picture of a soldier with other popular characters. ‘I chose to draw an Army man with everyone’s favourite cartoon heroes because it shows that the Army are just as good heroes as the stereotypical ones’ writes Katie when submitting her entry.

Her picture of the soldier with heroes such as Spiderman and the Powerpuff Girls won great praise from the judges. ’The helicopter against the sun is lovely; very sophisticated; the inclusion of a generic medal, a poppy and a dog all adds to the sense of everyday heroism. The Powerpuff girls are beautifully drawn. A really well-thought-out and convincing image’ states Charlotte.

‘Well done Katie for such an imaginative, beautifully executed painting. Very good composition, colour and draughtsmanship too’ declares Arabella.

In close second was Oliver Dent, aged 12, with his collage of a soldier, followed in joint third place by Ella Cornwall, 11, with her drawing of Usain Bolt and Bailey Bushby, 12, with his painting of Dr Phil.

The top 10 entries as chosen by Defence Public Relations will all receive a goody bag of prizes for their efforts. Katie wins a VIP day with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.