AN EXHIBITION of posters, postcards and letters designed by children from Southend opened at the Focal Point Gallery.

The children, from the Southend 2050 competition, opened at the gallery on November 6.

Young people were asked to create a poster based on how they see the borough in the future, to promote Southend to tourists in 2050. Contestants also had the option of designing and writing a futuristic postcard message from the same time. Older children were asked to write a letter from their future selves.

Over 350 creative entries were received, with 64 entries being chosen to go on display.

The grand winners were announced by Mayor Derek Jarvis, Deputy Mayor Marco Mann and Amy Burdett at the exhibition, which was attended by over 150 children and parents. Henry Bagnell was chosen as the winner for the letter, Joseph Murphy as the winner for the poster and Jack Shepherd was the winner for the postcard.

Councillor John Lamb, leader of the council, said: "The postcards, letters and posters were inspiring, imaginative, creative and demonstrated very clearly the pride our young people have for the borough in which they live, study and play, and what they want and expect for their future. The Children who entered the competition will be between 37 and 50 years old in 2050!"