AN OSWESTRY woman has won a £200 prize after entering an art competition as part of the Wilfred Owen festival.

Lorren Francis won the prize after placing second in the art on canvas competition.

Lorren’s drawing featured a World War One soldier in the trenches with a 'mercy' dog and will now be placed on display at the Heritage Centre.

She said: “This is the first time I’ve entered an art-related competition, and it’s made me want to enter more.

“I’m hoping to enter my first international competition soon.”

The festival is set to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Lorren believes that competitions like this are good for engaging the younger generation and making the memory of those who gave up their lives in the War live on.

She said: “I think that this competition in particular featured a lot of entries from younger people which is good.

“It opened my eyes to the history of the War and I really enjoyed learning about it during the process.”

Lorren draws for a living as she runs a pet portrait business, Four Paws Portraits, which she started up two years ago.

Her business meant she was able to make friends with Carol Roberts at the Heritage Centre, which is where her drawing will be on display.

She added: “I’ve been friends with Carol for years and I’ve had artwork that I have previously produced put on display at the Heritage Centre.

“Carol has been great in supporting me with my work.”

Carol added: “It’s a privilege to know Lorren.

“I think her work is wonderful – she’s far too modest.

“She donates her time to our charity events for the Blue Cross here at the Centre.

“She comes along and works at our Paws for Tea event and our Blue Cross Dog’s Tea Party in the summer and gives the money she would earn in that time to the charity.”