AN East Barnet painter has won the inaugural arts prize presented during an open exhibition at a North Finchley gallery.

The £750 Milly Apthorp Prize, which is aimed at supporting artists living, working and studying in the borough, was awarded to Paul Regan for his work entitled Field II.

Mr Regan, whose prizing winning painting depicted a deserted snowy field, said his works were inspired by everyday scenes.

“I'm fascinated by finding beauty in real life, often mundane, local suburban settings," he added.

Alice Lobb, visual arts officer at artsdepot, and one of the exhibition's judges, said: “The landscape painting really impressed us by its use of colour and light to create a dramatic great sense of atmosphere.”

Second prize was awarded to Guy Oliver, also from East Barnet, for his visual art video entitled Warriors Don't Cry.

Now in its fifth year, the annual artsdepot Open exhibition was created to promote new and emerging artist from the borough, and is open to beginner as well as more established artists.

Ms Lobb said of the exhibition: "It's a fantastic opportunity for artists to have their work prominently displayed.

"We were very pleased with the quality and variety of work this year. Some were professional artists whilst other would describe their art as more of a hobby."

With more than 180 entries submitted, only 38 artist made it onto the exhibitions walls, with pieces varying from paintings and photography to sculpture, etchings, screenprints and films.

The exhibition is showing at artsdepot's Apthrop Gallery at 5 Nether Street, North Finchley until August 22.