A Norwich teenager has impressed judges to win a regional portrait painting competition.

Norwich School for Girls student Helen Higgins, 17, has won the East Anglian Schools Portrait Prize, which is run by the Anteros Arts Centre in Bergh Apton in south Norfolk.

Miss Higgins won first prize from a shortlist of 30 students from schools all over the region with a portrait of her mother.

She will now be awarded with a framed portrait of herself, painted by professional artist and Anteros' artist in residence Will Teather. She said: 'I am very excited to have been given this prize. All of the entries were of such a high standard that it is a real compliment to be chosen as the winner. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Will Teather's studio and have my own portrait completed. I really admire his work, and it will be a great chance to learn more about different portraiture techniques.'

Mr Teather said: 'Helen has an exceptional talent, and I hope that this is the first step in a blossoming artistic career for her. Her portrait is both highly skilled and a very dramatic composition, reflecting her love of baroque painters such as Caravaggio.'

Arts centre director John Hemmant said: 'We were delighted with the high standard of entries that we received, with more entrants than last year.

'One of the aims of the Arts Centre is to introduce young people to art projects that develop their creativity and focus, allowing them to create competent work they are proud of within a supportive environment. We hope it will be the beginning of many more activities where we can involve the region's youth in the arts.'

Fellow Norwich High School for Girls student Verity Evans was highly commended in the competition.