AN animator from the region has won first prize in an international competition for her film about animal fur fashion.

Mair Perkins, right, who grew up in Crook, County Durham, beat 7,000 entrants from around the world with her one-minute animation.

The 21-year-old vegetarian, who volunteers for the RSCPA, won the inaugural Design Against Fur award and accompanying $1,000 prize.

She was encouraged to enter by her tutor at Derby University, where she is studying animation.

“It’s not a typical animal fur campaign showing lots of images of animals all bloodied up,” she said.

“People just need to be more aware when they’re out shopping.”

Miss Perkins attributes her success to the support she received at Wolsingham School and Community College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, where she completed an art and design foundation degree.

She added: “I am trying to use my artwork to help charities wherever I can.”

View the animation at infurmation.com