A LOCAL artist has made it into the Grand Finals of an international art competition.

Ryan Swain, 31, from Malton entered the Uniball Posca Artist Of The Year Competition last month and his piece named Lockdown Lovers received 31.3 percent of the 2,062 public online votes cast for last month's theme "love".

Mr Swain created the piece during in the pandemic, before he met his girlfriend Crystal.

He drew a portrait of them together and sent it to her, as they weren't able to be together for a real photograph.

Mr Swain has claimed that art and crafts have saved him during the pandemic from facing a bad mental health relapse. Art has really helped his mental health and well being and he wants to encourage people of all ages to pick up a paintbrush or pen.

Mr Swain said: “I am so thrilled and excited to of made it in to the finals I couldn't of done it without all of your votes and support which I appreciate hugely, thank you.

"I can't wait to see what theme I get in the finals in December."

" Thanks to my girlfriend Crystal, my mum Debbie and my kids all the inspiration I need right there and all of you at home for voting."