Grove Cottage, the home to Bishops Stortford Mencap, launched its Animal Magic Art Exhibition and Auction with a family fun day on Saturday 24th September at the Rhodes Gallery, Bishops Stortford.

Natalie Trapmore, fundraising at Grove Cottage, said: 'We had a fantastic turnout to the launch of our exhibition and all were so excited to see this marvellous art which really comes to life. Our younger visitors were enamoured with the live exotic animals and pets kindly brought by Pets Corner as well as the walking animal balloons.

'Some terrifically high quality art was submitted for our competition and we were delighted that some of the winners could join us and see their works on the walls and receive their vouchers. The online auction is now open and we’re looking forward to watching the bidding develop – please do visit the site, have a look and place a bid – all the proceeds will really make a difference to the families we support.'

The winners of the competition are Tracey Pinnington for Out of the Shadows (ages 19 and over), Phoebe Driver for Hot Ostrich (ages 12-18), Imogen Fiddes for Rabbit (ages 11 and under). See the winning images below. Prints of these artwork are also available to buy.

The Animal Magic Art Exhibition is free and will be open daily between 10am – 5pm, Monday-Friday and 10am – 4pm on Saturday from 24 September – 8 October at The Rhodes Art Complex, Bishops Stortford. The Auction ends at 5pm on 25th October, to place a bid please visit the website. All proceeds go to Grove Cottage.

Out of the Shadows by Tracey Pinnington

Hot Ostrich, by Phoebe Driver

Rabbit by Imogen Fiddes

See Tracey Pinnington with her winning painting below.