A BARNSLEY Academy student is one of ten young artists to be shortlisted in a national competition.

Year 11 student Sian Smith, is now in the running for the top prize in the United Learning’s annual art competition. Having progressed through the first two rounds of judging her piece, ‘Deep in my thoughts’, is now up for the award. She said: “The piece that I entered into the competition has a very special meaning to me I created it last year as a way of processing the grief I felt after my grandma passed away. “I am thrilled to have been shortlisted amongst such exceptional talent from across the country and especially to have my work presented alongside A Level students. “I’m so excited to be in with a chance to go on this once-in-alifetime trip to Tokyo.”

Naveed Khan, principal at Barnsley Academy, added: “I am delighted that Sian has made it to final ten. “Her artwork is incredible and we are so proud of her. “What is particularly pleasing is that Sian’s work has been selected amongst a very high calibre of artwork, including work submitted by A Level students. We have our fingers crossed that she wins the competition and gets the opportunity to travel to Tokyo. “Irrespective of the outcome, this a great achievement and one I’m sure she will remember for many years.”

The winners and the three runners-up will be announced on Thursday.