The recipients of the Isle of Man Arts Council’s annual student awards have been announced.

Three awards of £10,000 are given to Manx students who are moving into or continuing their studies in higher education.

Laeth Quellin was awarded the Norman Sayle award for visual art and literature and will be studying for a BA (Hons) degree in writing for performance at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Laeth said: ’My time growing up on the island heavily influenced my work and I find myself throwing my mind back to the memories I have there, when writing scripts or prose.’

He hopes that with the training he will gain on the course will help him explore folklore and superstitions, and in the future, impact theatre and film in a unique way.

Fraser Rowe will be attending the Royal Northern College of Music to study popular music was awarded the Jonathan Gollow award for performing arts.

The former Castle Rushen student said: ’I am extremely excited to see where this will take my musical career.

’I would also like to say that I am immensely grateful for the support that the Arts Council have provided for me and to many other businesses and creative people; the work that they do is truly amazing and opens up so many amazing opportunities to people.’

The Isle of Man Arts Council Award has been given to Joshua Molyneux who is studying for a diploma in musical theatre at the Performance Preparation Academy.

The former Ballakermeen pupil added: ’I am so happy and grateful to have won this award.

’Without it wouldn’t have been possible for me to finish my course so I am so grateful to everyone at the Isle of Man Arts Council for not only considering my application but for picking me to receive it.’

Isle of Man Arts Council chairman Marlene Maska MLC said: ’Knowing the challenges which are facing so many of our students and young people this year, I am privileged to be involved in this really positive news and proud that IoMAC is able to offer support to these very talented young artists.’