LEIGH artist Samantha Brown, 24, has scooped a top award from the Academy of Fine Arts in Manchester.

Sam, from Green Lane, Leigh, won the Ted Roocroft Award for an abstract sculpture she created for the annual open exhibition.

Inspired by geometric shapes and patterns in everyday life the sculpture will feature as part of an exhibition at Bury Art Gallery and Museum along side other winners. Closer to home Sam has been making the most of the gallery space in Brown's of Leigh, Leigh Road, to display her work while she prepares for other exhibitions.

After graduating from the Bolton institute with a visual arts degree last year the local artist has been juggling several jobs while working on her collection of photographs, drawings, paintings and sculptures.

Her collection of photographs, currently on display in the Leigh gallery, offer an enlarged view of everyday objects.

Sam said: "Such an emphasis is put on rushing around that people in their busy lives tend to miss the beauty that surrounds them. I hope my collection will give people the opportunity to appreciate that beauty."

Having the gallery has meant that Sam can show her work instead of hiding it while she produces new pieces of art.

Anyone interested should speak to Sam at the first floor gallery on Leigh Road.