A BUDDING Northwich artist has scooped first prize in a Cheshire restaurant’s drawing competition.

The competition was created by Italian restaurant Pesto at Cabbage Hall, on Forest Road, in Tarporley and searched for the best spooky picture drawn by children aged 12 or under, with a Nintendo DS as the prize for first place.

Seven-year-old Sophie Smith’s Halloween sketch certainly spooked the judges and saw her beat off hundreds of other entries from across the region to be crowned the winner.

Co-owner of Pesto Restaurants and judge Sara Edwards said: “Whilst most of the pictures we received were fantastic, Sophie’s spooky scene was so detailed that all the judges picked it as their favourite.”

Sophie was presented with her prize by Sara at the restaurant and said that she is now looking forward to playing with her Nintendo DS.

“Her creativity meant Sophie is a truly worthy winner,” added Sara. “So the team and I are delighted to be able to present her with such a well-deserved prize.”

Pesto currently have nine restaurants trading across the UK since the first opening in 2006.

For reservations or information call 01829 760 292 or visit pestorestaurants.co.uk