AN ART student is aiming for a coveted place at one of the country’s top institutions.

Blackburn student Hayley Darbyshire is hoping to secure a place at the Chelsea School of Art and Design after a host of local successes.

The school is famous for producing artists such as Roald Dahl illustrator Quentin Blake and painter David Hockney.

As well as an interview at Chelsea, she also has an interview at Goldsmiths College, which is in the world’s top 100 universities for arts and humanities.

Goldsmiths has produced artists including Lucian Freud, Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Margaret Howell and Gary Hume.

The 19-year-old has just been awarded a top prize at Blackburn College’s Creative Arts Awards. She has also received acclaim and awards after exhibiting her work at Blackburn Museum.

Hayley from Great Harwood, won Student of the Year at Blackburn College after completing her Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design.

She said: “I was honoured to win an award and I am just completing my second year and then hope to go to university.”

The former Norden High School student was pleased at the feedback from having her work displayed at Blackburn Museum after she won their art award this year.

She said: “It was a drawing of an African warrior. I had been to South Africa as part of my studies at Blackburn College and I enjoy portraiture.

“I have got an interview at Chelsea School of Art and Design in London and it is one of the best.

“I also have an interview at Goldsmiths College which is in the top 100.

“I love fine art and I hope to take it further.”

Altham based Media Village sponsored the recent Creative Arts Awards Night which saw Hayley emerge as best student.

Howard Sharples, centre head of Creative Arts and Construction at Blackburn College, said: “We are proud of the diversity, intelligence and creativity that our learners demonstrate through their work and Hayley is a great example of this.”