A TALENTED artist from Northwich is planning to paint as never before after winning a prestigious scholarship to the British School in Rome.

Sharon Thomas, a former Rudheath High School and Sir John Deane's College student, is overjoyed that she has been awarded the Sainsbury Scholarship.

It gives her the chance to study at the renowned research centre for 12 months.

The scholarship will also provide the 26-year-old with a studio and built-in apartment, a monthly stipend and a travel grant to visit many areas of Italy.

Sharon said: "It certainly means a lot to get this award.

"I have been working hard for many years as a painter and to have some recognition and not to have to worry about bills for a year or so is a huge bonus and a weight off my mind."

She added: "I was told about this scholarship about two years ago by a professor and was asked if I had ever considered applying for it.

"I hadn't, but after it was mentioned I was hell bent on making sure I was going to find out more about it and pull out all the stops to try to get it."

Sharon has spent the past four years in New York, achieving a Masters degree in fine art at the New York Academy of Art then spending a year dividing her time between her studio in Queens and part time jobs as an art teacher in Harlem and in an art gallery in Manhattan.

She started painting at an early age and was greatly encouraged by her Northwich education.

She said: "Northwich has been greatly significant in the direction of my art and life choices.

"I was provided with an excellent education at Rudheath High School - Bruce Lyons, the head of art until very recently, inspired and challenged my practice and most of all supported me and gave me confidence to go on and achieve."

She added: "My plans are to go to Rome and paint like I have never painted before - inspired by Italy's great masters and its amazing food."