AN artist has put his lockdown time to good use by delighting a horse owner with a beautiful portrait of her beloved steed.

Richmond resident and mosaic portrait artist, Peter Jauneika, decided during lock down that he would like to gift his next piece of artwork.

He was keen to attempt a horse, having not done one before, whilst at the same time spreading a little cheer in these challenging times.

He invited people via social media to send him a picture of their horse and then chose his favourite.

He has now presented the finished portrait to the winner, Charlotte Anderson of Middleham, who submitted a photo of her horse Rhubarbs Top Gun - aka Merlin.

Charlotte described Merlin as 'literally the happiest horse in the world' who has a penchant for Twix bars and drinking cider from a glass when ridden to his local pub.

Peter took up art fully after retiring from a career in IT. His most fulfilling project to date is that of a collaboration with the children of Askrigg School in 2007 for a large wall hanging that is a representation of ‘Wensleydale Life’ through their eyes.