A TALENTED young artist from Alton has been honoured with a top prize at The Unique Art Awards ceremony in central London.

Cailean Tadden, 20, a student at Treloar College, won gold in the photography category for the 15-21 age group, after submitting an original work on the theme of ‘My World’.

The Unique Art Awards, the first of its kind, championed some of the country’s best undiscovered talent by honouring some of Britain’s most talented disabled young artists.

The brainchild of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) Trust Fund for Training of Handicapped Children in the Arts, the national competition celebrates five artistic mediums and opened for entries nationwide April to July this year for artists aged seven to 21.

Tom Yendell, chairman of the board of trustees for the MFPA Trust Fund and himself a mouth and foot painting artist, said: “The calibre of entries was superb and we are thrilled at how many we received for our first award, but Cailean’s work was a favourite among all the judges. We hope he enjoys putting his prize of art vouchers to good use!”

The Holybourne artist added: “The Unique Art Awards is such an exciting initiative to showcase some incredible artistic talent. We’re looking forward to returning for another round in 2017.”

Cailean’s family were with him in London when he received the award. Mum Carol Tadden said: “We all had such a shock when they announced Cailean’s name! It’s been fantastic seeing everybody and a really lovely evening seeing all the artwork.”