Painting and photo mix wins prize

Anne Nolan was the first prizewinner in the contest's history

Surrey's first biennial open art competition has been won by a graduate of the University College for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Anne Nolan.

The artist was presented with The Hutley Art Prize, worth £500, by ceramicist Professor Magdalene Odundo.

Her winning artwork, a combination of photography and painting, is a black and white image of a woman reading a letter on a flight of stairs.

The judging panel was unanimous in its choice of prize winner.

Artist Duncan MacAskill, who sat on the panel, said: "It combines the best of both photography and painting with a high skill level, good storytelling and a subject matter that most people can identify with.

"You can really empathise with the female figure reading the letter, we've all been there."

The artist's work and the 50 best entries to the competition are now on display in the Main Gallery of The Lightbox until 10 August.