Evening light in the park.

Went to see the one of the world’s most celebrated art competitions this weekend. Sunderland in the North East was picked as the only place outside London to host The BP Portrait Award 2014.

There were 2,377 entries to this year’s competition, including the portrait of a Man with a Plaid Blanket which was the outright winner of the top £30,000 prize.

The painting, by 40-year-old German artist and illustrator Thomas Ganter, shows a homeless car-windscreen cleaner called Karel, captured in a saint-like pose.

If you get the chance it is well worth a look. It is hosted in the Museum and Winter Gardens- pictured.