A quirky Christmas tree created by a student artist won the hearts of a firm of lawyers.

Monika Petrovaite, who studies illustration at Middlesex University, in The Burroughs, Hendon, created the 'snowball Christmas tree' after winning a competition run by Collyer Bristow in Holborn.

The piece, which is made up of more than 500 pom-poms, is made solely of wool and wire mesh.

Monika, 22, said: “I’m pleased that the tree is getting a good reception.  It took more than a month and the help of other Illustration students to create it due to the number of pom-poms needed.

“Exhibiting at Collyer Bristow is a good opportunity for me to showcase my design to a wider audience.”

Fellow student Ameena Qureshi was also selected to create the firm’s Christmas card.

Her ‘Christmas Nest’ design was sent out to Collyer Bristow’s clients and friends worldwide.   

The 19-year-old said: “I was really shocked, but happy when I found out that my design had been selected for the Christmas card.  “I’d worked hard on the piece, so it was great to have that recognised.”

Collyer Bristow partner Sarah Culshaw said:  “Monika’s tree of pom-poms has to be one of the most popular we’ve ever had, I’ve never known so many people want to stroke or hug a work of art.”

The Collyer Bristow Gallery at the firm is also currently exhibiting art work by fine artists from Middlesex University and Goldsmiths, University of London, until the end of January.