AN ART competition organised by protestors fighting plans to build houses on Bewdley green fields drew entries from families in America.

Bewdley Say No To Gladman launched ‘Bewdley Fields Forever’ to celebrate the beauty of the fields under threat from a proposal to build 195 houses and illustrate why the plans should not be approved.

And two independent entries were sent from America by families compelled to help with the fight against the proposals by Gladman Developments for green space off the Lakes Road.

The land speculator believes their plan, which includes provision for 59 affordable houses, will address a need for new homes in the town.

Their application was rejected by Wyre Forest District Council but Gladman appealed and an inquiry, to be heard by the planning inspectorate, will begin on Tuesday (October 24).

Sophia Hoey, aged six and from Minneapolis, entered the competition with a water colour painting of the fields.

Her British born mum Laura said: "One of our best friends lives in Bewdley so we know the site in question and we returned to Bewdley not long ago for a wedding.

"To think of all of those natural habitats that could be under threat is very sad. I showed Sophia the story online and she wanted to enter.

"From the seasonal changes in flora and fauna to the huge amount of pleasure the fields give local residents and visitors alike – they really need to be saved and protected for the wildlife."

Olivia Alvarez, aged four and from California, also saw the competition online after her mum Norma was reading about the plans.

Norma said: "When we heard about what was happening, we absolutely wanted to get involved and show our support.

"The fields are beautiful and enjoyed by lots of people. They shouldn't be turned into housing estates. Olivia enjoyed drawing and colouring her picture of the nature in the fields."

Rod Stanczyszyn, chair of BSNTG, said: "We are delighted with the response to the 'Bewdley Fields Forever' art competition.

"It has been such a pleasure to receive a range of artwork from talented artists of all ages. This has included two entries from the USA; one being a British ex-pat who has visited Bewdley and the other a U.S national who knows Bewdley well from her friends and family.

"The whole exercise has been very heart-warming and proves beyond doubt that the landscape of the magnificent Severn Valley is valued so highly by the many who know and love this area."

The two entries are among 40 finalists being judged by Bewdley artist Hilary J Baker, with the final winners being announced on Friday (October 20).

The overall winner will receive an art masterclass with Hilary and all of the winners' and finalists' work will be considered for use in a BSNTG calendar for 2018.