A MAJOR national art prize recently launched by Cockermouth’s Castlegate Gallery has raised more than £12,000 for a young people's mental health charity.

Nearly 700 entries were received from artists across the country by the deadline, Friday, February 14 - all vying for the £10,000 prize which has been funded by the gallery on Castlegate.

All the entry fees are going directly to YoungMinds, which campaigns for young people’s mental health.

Artists had been asked to submit entries on the theme of hope for their painting or drawing.

A star-studded panel of judges will announce the winner on May 2 including writer, broadcaster and journalist Stuart Maconie, painter and printmaker Eileen Cooper RA, OBE, artist Martin Greenland and gallery owners Steve and Christine Swallow.

Owner Steve said: “The response we’ve had from artists right across the UK has been astounding.

"What’s been so fascinating to see is how the theme of hope has been used - in some instances overtly, in others the mere fact of producing the work has given hope at difficult times.

"A variety of responses we could never have imagined.

“We’re delighted with being able to support YoungMinds with in excess of £12,000, wholly down to the support and enthusiasm of artists from across the UK, from 17 to 80, both amateur and professional.”

The money will be handed over when the winner is revealed at the opening of the prize exhibition at Castlegate Gallery on Saturday May 2.

Meanwhile Steve and his wife Christine face the difficult task of whittling down the 700 or so entries to a longlist of 60 before the prize judges choose their final shortlist of 30 paintings or drawings.

Steve added: “Going through all the entries over the coming two weeks to narrow it down to an initial list of sixty will be a tough but hugely enjoyable task."

“From what we’ve seen already, the breadth of work is extensive and the quality very high.”

Castlegate House Gallery specialises in 20th century contemporary British artists such as David Hockney and Grayson Perry.

It also champions up-and-coming artists.

YoungMinds works with young people nationwide, campaigning for young people get the support they need.

The best 30 works in the competition will be exhibited for three weeks in May.