An artist has been shortlisted for a national award with a £25,000 prize.

Self-portrait by Sheila Wallis, of West Park, in Epsom, has reached the last seven of the Threadneedle Prize, which showcases the best in UK contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Of the 2,000 entries, 87 were selected to appear at an exhibition at the Mall Galleries.

The 36-year-old, who is also artist-in-residence at the Watts Gallery, near Guildford, admitted she was “gobsmacked” when she heard she was shortlisted for the prize which is in its second year. She said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted but it’s very strange and unexpected to be honest.”

Ms Wallis, who works for the NHS in Epsom, has been painting since childhood and has completed a fine art degree.

Self Portrait will be exhibited until September 19 and the awards are officially announced on September 14. There are two major prizes on offer and both are decided by a public vote.

Readers can vote online at thread needleprize.co.uk. You can view some of her other work by visiting youtube.

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