WORKS by three young Bolton artists have been competing for attention with paintings by Picasso, Matisse and Turner at a famous gallery.

The youngsters, from Harper Green School in Farnworth and Lever Park School in Horwich, were chosen from 2,000 entries for a 25-work exhibition at the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

The project was organised by the gallery to encourage young people to express themselves through art.

Philip Booth, aged 16, of Lever Park School, not only had his sculpture, 'Grip', displayed at the gallery, but also came runner-up in the Unilever International Schools Art Project.

Philip, who created a ceramic sculpture based on the inside of his hand, said: "I was thrilled to have my piece selected and see my work at the Tate Gallery. I am still thinking about what to do when I leave school because I enjoy maths as well as art."

Lever Park teacher Alison Burdett said: "I am extremely proud of Philip.

"His sculpture is a thought-provoking piece of art. He is a very talented young man."

Harper Green pupils Barbara Vernon and Anthony Morris, both aged 13, created a painting called 'Friendship'.

Wendy Rowberry, head of art at the specialised arts college, said: "The standard of their work is phenomenal - I think it is on par with that of Picasso! You would not think it was work by two young people."

The project was designed to encourage young people from around the world to create a work of art on the theme: "Inside Out: Conceal and Reveal". Young artists from 14 countries took part.