ILLUSTRATOR Quentin Blake presented Dunmow teachers and artists from the Gardens of Easton Lodge with a drawing award. Year Five teacher Mel Benson of Great Easton Primary and Ben Harris Year Six teacher at St Mary s Primary School joined artists Anne Sch

ILLUSTRATOR Quentin Blake presented Dunmow teachers and artists from the Gardens of Easton Lodge with a drawing award.

Year Five teacher Mel Benson of Great Easton Primary and Ben Harris Year Six teacher at St Mary's Primary School joined artists Anne Schwegmann-Fielding and Liz Ellis to the ceremony at the British Museum on Wednesday April 4.

Mr Harris said: "The children were very excited and proud to have been part of the winning team for the Big Draw Competition. It was a great privilege to meet Quentin Blake and to receive the award on their behalf.

"We can't wait to see our banners displayed at Easton Lodge again on May 6 and are looking forward to taking part in the next Big Draw event."

The Big Draw is a series of events all over the UK, which encourage people to get inspired by drawing.

Mr Blake is the Patron of the Campaign for Drawing, which organises the national Big Draw competition each year.

He presented them with their certificate and prize of £500, which will be used towards the Gardens' 2007 Big Draw project "An Invitation to Explore".

Six schools from across Essex took part in the project, creating a series of stunning banners, which tell different stories about the history of Easton Lodge.

Catherine Mummery, co-ordinator for The Gardens of Easton Lodge, said: "Visitors will have another chance to see these banners on Sunday May 6 as part of the Gardens' Discovery Day.

"They will get the chance to work with artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding on a fun variety of arts activities using old bicycle wheels and other natural and recycled materials."

There will also be a chance to work with a Flitch Way country park ranger, a storytelling trail and creative workshops.

"Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens, hopefully it'll be a great day" added Ms Mummery. For more details call 01371 876979.