AN amateur artist from Bromsgrove has been left shocked and delighted at scooping first prize in a prestigious national competition.

Mark Walton, 56, works as a full-time Local Government Officer working with people with disabilities, but has had a keen interest in art all his life.

Mr Walton has only just explored mixed media within the last six months.

So when he picked up a leaflet at Hobbycraft in Webbs at Wychbold for the Pebeo Mixed Media Prize and Exhibition 2018, he didn't think he would stand any chance of being selected for the finals - let alone winning.

He said: "I was thrilled to be selected as a finalist let alone win first prize particularly as there were so many other talented artists."

Mr Walton, who lives in Stoke Prior with his wife Jane and daughters Olivia and Imogen, was handed the prize by Pebdeo chairman Eric Chaveau o June 26 at the Menier Gallery in London.

His winning picture 'The Golden Temple at Night' was created using a mix of ink, acrylic paint and resin and other materials, with a textured high gloss finish.

The judging panel included international artists and art critics.

To see Mark's work, search markwaltonart on Instagram.