DUDLEY’S mental health chiefs have announced the winners of an annual art competition for people with experiences of mental health issues.

This year’s winners of the Dawn Jones Art Prize 2015, organised by Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, were decided following a difficult decision by the panel of judges.

Judges selected Alan Daffern and Susanna Frances as the victors, and the pair were presented with trophies at a prize giving event on Monday (September 28).

Ten runners-up were also presented with certificates and medals, having had their work displayed at The Crossing at St Paul’s throughout September.

Now in its second year of being hosted by the trust, the competition was set up by Maureen Jones nine years ago in memory of her daughter Dawn who tragically committed suicide in 2005 at the age of 25, following a long battle with depression.

The trust invited people from across both boroughs with experience of mental health issues to create artwork for the competition.

David Matthews, non-executive director, said: “The standard of art which was sent into the competition was exceptional and the entire judging panel had a hard time deciding.

“It’s rewarding to see how the competition inspires people with experience of mental health to get involved in art, which can often be very therapeutic.”

The two winners will have their work exhibited in trust sites for a year and will each receive a £100 gift voucher.