Pupils from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School in Estcourt Road, Fulham, were chosen from 2,250 children all over the world in the Global Canvas Art and Poetry Competition run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

“When we discussed ideas for this year’s competition the children all decided that the work needed to come to life,” said their teacher Nicola Chance.  

“Inspired by Chinese dragons they used willow and printed fabrics to create species supported by the foundation: a rhino, an elephant, a tiger, a painted dog and a snow leopard. Having collaborated across the school to create the animals the grand finale was a choreographed performance for the school and parents.

“Working on such a large scale made the children proud of what high standards they can achieve together. We all learned that art has the power to open people’s eyes and make a difference. Winning the top prize was just amazing.”

The school now has to choose which of the foundation’s animal conservation projects they want to award their £1,000 prize to. This comes on top of £900 already raised by pupils for the charity. 

Wildlife artist and founder of DSWF, David Shepherd CBE, who attended the prize giving event last month at the Natural History Museum added: “The sheer imagination and scale of the entry from St Thomas Primary was quite outstanding, they have certainly raised the bar.”

A group of eight pupils from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School exhibited their work at the museum on the day and collected their prize. 

The £1,000 prize was sponsored by Michael O’Mara Books.