A YOUNG artist has won a competition to create a woodland creature to make part of a new mural for a library's children's area.

Roxie Ventham, a Year 7 pupil at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, entered the competition at Bedale Community Library after her grandma Sharon Neale told her about it. Bedale Community Library launched its first art competition to create a secret garden mural in the library.

Roxie’s prize was to spend time at the library working with Wendi New, an award-winning muralist, who judged the competition. Ms New has been commissioned to produce the mural inspired by the classic children’s book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Roxie, 11, created a fox. She said: “I was overjoyed and couldn't believe I had won. While working with Wendi I felt like I wasn't under any pressure and took on board her tips such as how to make paint look fluffy. It was a very exciting opportunity.” Roxie’s fox is a key focus of the mural. The art competition is part of a series of events at Bedale Community Library using a grant from the National Lottery.