An East Devon artist has been announced as a finalist in a national Art of the Year competition.

Beer-based Cath Gillingham claimed third place in the annual contest, managed by international packing and delivery firm PACK & SEND.

Providing a variety of freight, postal, removal and courier services, PACK & SEND has an impressive resume in shipping fragile and valuable items.

This includes artworks from globally renowned artists such as Banksy, Damien Hirst, and Andy Warhol.

The Art of the Year competition, a segment within the company operations, is an initiative to celebrate budding UK artists.

The prize includes £250 vouchers for the lucky winner to assist in shipping their art via PACK & SEND and also includes promotional benefits across the company's global social media.

Midweek Herald: Cath Gillingham won third place with her mixed-media creation, Golden Pear in Mermaid Kiss

Ms Gillingham won third place with her mixed-media creation, Golden Pear in Mermaid Kiss.

Primarily a still life artist, her themes often encompass flowers, vessels and fruit.

Ms Gillingham completed her BA and MA in fine and applied arts in her 20s and her works have graced several group exhibitions in the South West.

She accepted her prize at PACK & SEND’s Bristol service centre, Ms Gillingham said: "I’m really pleased to have my artwork recognised in this way by PACK & SEND, which has worked with some of the most famous and respected fine artists in the world.

"It’s great to see an international company of their standing supporting and championing artists at grassroots level, helping artists like myself introduce their work to wider audiences."

Art fans will be able to admire Ms Gillingham's creations at her solo exhibition, Broken Colour, running from May 18 to 27, between 11am and 3pm, at the Beer Bomb Shelter in Devon.

Her work is also available for viewing on her Instagram page, @thelaughingredhead.

To learn more about PACK & SEND, visiting its website at www.packsend.co.uk/ or call 0345 873 9990.