YOUNG artists in York have had a whale of a time entering a painting competition.

About 150 entries were received for the competition run by The Wetherby Whaler, at York Business Park, Nether Poppleton.

The fish-and-chip restaurant ran the contest for the youngsters of York to win a £50 toy-shop voucher. Restaurant manager Sue Hancock said: "We have had a great response to the competition from all the children. Most of them have entered after seeing the competition in the restaurant, and it is nice to have this kind of reaction to the competition."

Jordan Bell, aged five, from York, was the winner for the 3-7 age group, with Elliot Briggs, aged 11, topping the 8-12 competition. Ian Jones was runner-up in the older category.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, April 26, 2003