A BRIERLEY Hill artist is urging people to get behind him after he was shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Roger Turner, aged 58, is one of 50 people in the running to be crowned Artist of the Year 2014 in a competition organised by Artists and Illustrators magazine.

His painting, entitled 'Mevagissey Harbour At Low Tide' was selected from thousands of entries to go through to a public vote and will be part of the exhibition at London's Mall Gallery with the other shortlisted entries in January.

The self-taught artist said: "I was over the moon when I received the phone call, because it's a very prestigious publication. It 's a real honour to get this far and to be considered along with such a diverse range of established and up and coming talent."

The entry with the most votes cast will be presented with the readers' choice award.

Mr Turner added: "Every vote will count so it would be really great to have some local support."

To vote for Mr Turner, visit www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/Turner2014.