An ambitious artist, who returned to painting four years ago, has scooped a top prize at Topsham Art Group’s 50th anniversary exhibition.

Former mental health officer and teacher Anna Fitzgerald, 45, of Seadog Art, Exmouth, marked her return to painting by winning the Charles Stanley Award for her artwork focused on bees, entitled Heading Home.

Anna was delighted with the award and hopes it will inspire others to pursue their goals in the field.

“I was very surprised and am pleased. I think most artists really need encouragement and the awards are a way for doing this.”

Anna trained to become an artist at Canterbury School of Art before starting a career in teaching and mental health support. She had always dreamed of entering the world of art again.

She said: “It was always my passion to return to art, but I didn’t think I would ever return back to it.”

The artist, whose paintings are influenced by animals and folk law, only moved to Exmouth a year ago and has been a member of Topsham Art Group for four months.

She thanked the people of Exmouth for their support.

“Being in the town has really helped. People are really supportive and positive,” she said.

Anna’s work can be seen at Seadog Art, Gussiford Lane, Exmouth, from noon to 6.30pm.