Janet Heard

applied for a Bursary on behalf of the Braintree Rethink Support Group, where she has set up a successful art class for people with mental health problems. "It's wonderful to see the difference that art has made to many of them," says Jan. "They have much more confidence, have made good friends and really enjoy achieving."

Valerie Littlewood

also won a £250 Bursary for her 'Bee Inspired' project. Last year Valerie held an exhibition in London, 'Buzz... A celebration of British Bees', and has since set up a series of travelling shows whereby she demonstrates her technique for painting bees while encouraging people to look at and learn from the natural world, hoping her work will encourage them to be inspired by and appreciate it.

The third Bursary recipient is

Kim Todd

, who took up art after ill-health forced her to retire from her job as a part-time GP in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Three years ago she was asked to take a 'Painting for Fun' group for retired folk at her church, and despite her fears of not being qualified to do it her group has gone from strength to strength, with some members starting to paint at home and everyone growing in confidence and enjoying the company. So far she has been subsidising the class herself, so the Bursary award will mean she can buy some good brushes, paper and palettes as well as helping her start up another group in a local church that has been converted into an art gallery.

This year's final winner of a £250 Bursary is

Anna Gibson

, who has spent the last 12 months fundraising for the Wadsworth Community Centre in Hebden Bridge. She is currently organising an art exhibition and creative workshops and is hoping that the exhibition of work of professional and talented amateur artists will inspire locals to pick up brushes and paint. The cost of materials was going to be an issue so the Bursary will be a most welcome boost to their efforts.