ARTISTS captured the problem of stress in words and pictures during a University College Worcester workshop to raise awareness of mental illness.

The event, which included guest speaker Roz Goddard, Poet Laureate of Birmingham, culminated in a Mind and Art Competition for students and staff at the St John's college.

The winners were announced last week, with poet Stuart Bryan, of Battenhall, Worcester, and artist Catherine Laidlaw, of St Peter's, Worcester, the top students.

The competition, now in its third year, had more than 50 entrants and all the winners received prizes of either a Waterstones or Marks & Spencer voucher.

"It was a chance for students, staff and invited guests to use their creative talents to remind people that mental illness does exist and can touch the lives of so many people," said UCW Principal Professor David Green.