Painting of historic home getstop prize

Lin Biffen's depiction of The Manor House won first place in the mixed media section of Felpham Art Group's annual exhibition.

'I like to think my painting has made the building come to life,' said Lin (57), of Elmer, who has been painting for eight years.

Her inspiration to capture the notable building in pen and ink and watercolour came from her work with an estate agency. She showed prospective buyers around the Limmer Lane property, built about 300 years ago, when it was for sale in late 2006 before its purchase by a family a few months ago.

'It was a privilege to see inside the house,' she said. 'It has all its original features such as a butler's pantry downstairs and a boot room.

'I love historic buildings anyway and that gave me the idea to paint the house.'

A Parisian street scene earned Ronnie McGregor first place for artistic merit among the 250-300 framed works on show from the group's 134 full and 17 associate members at the St Mary's Centre last weekend. The 56-year-old council office worker from Littlehampton said: 'I only joined Felpham Art Group last month after taking up painting a couple of years ago when I went part time and I didn't believe the phone call to tell me I had won a prize.'

Felpham resident Roger Billington reclaimed the top oil prize he won two years ago for his depiction of a pair of hikers on the North Yorkshire Moors. Just The Two Of Us shows the couple alone against a rugged landscape topped by a brooding sky.

Butlins archivist Roger (63), of Manor Close, said: 'I love the beauty of Yorkshire.

'You can't beat the beauty of those moors.

'Painting is so relaxing and the creative side of it is second to none. I can't think of any other pastime where you can sit down on your own and create something from a photo or sketch.'

Art expert Alan Saunders judged the entries after being recommended by the University of Chichester's art department.