AN ASPIRING artist is celebrating after scooping top prize in a New Forest art competition.

Susan Phillips, 17, beat more than 125 contestants to take first prize in all three categories of New Forest District Council's Art 4U competition.

The competition was organised to find the best artists in technical art, sculpture, painting and drawing.

Judges were so impressed with Totton College student Susan, of Cosworth Drive, Dibden, that they gave her first place in every category.

An exhibition of her work, and that of the runners-up, will be on display at the NFDC Festival of Youth on September 11. Art lovers will later be able to view the works at the civic offices in Lyndhurst and at New Forest Arts in New Milton.

Susan, who won £250 in prize money, said: "I really didn't expect to hear anything and to find out I had won all three categories has been amazing. I am ecstatic!"

Bosses at Totton College are urging budding artists in the area to enrol on the course that turned Susan into a competition winner.

For details of the HNC Graphic Design course call 023 8087 4874.