A DORSET student is among the winners of a prestigious art competition for young people.

Elsie Allen, from Parkstone Grammar School, was named a winner in the Royal Society of Biology’s international BioArtAttack 2D competition.

The competition focused primarily on 2D artworks that depict the wonders of biology, with a sub-category specifically for labelled specimen drawings.

It was open to young people aged between seven and 18, and split into three age categories – with two winners being chosen in each.

Elsie was a winner in the category for ages 15 to 18 with her art piece ‘Soften’.

She explained: “We rescued an abandoned kitten and she lives in our house. I feel that her presence softens the whole house and the people here and I wanted to portray that feeling. I’m so proud and happy to have won the competition in my age group.”

Each winner will receive £50 and be invited to an experience day at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

This year’s competition was judged by Dr Grace Mackintosh Sim, Royal Veterinary College, Andrew Crook MBE FRSA, Royal Veterinary College, and Lucy Maycock, Horniman Museum and Gardens.