A YOUNG artist’s picture showing what he loves most about Southend is to be seen by thousands of shoppers after he won a bag design competition run by the town’s Tesco stores.

Joshua Cleary, nine, a pupil at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, in Ashingdon Road, has also won £500 for his school and a £25 gift card for himself.

Children throughout the area were invited to enter the competition to draw a picture showing why they love Southend.

The winning poster, of Southend Pier with the beach and beach houses, has been transferred onto thousands of limited edition Hessian bags which are being given away free in Tesco Extra, off the A127, in Westcliff.

Joshua’s prize, and a bag with his winning design, was presented to him, during a special assembly at his school.

Headteacher Nikki Stevens said: “We are all very proud.”