ROSS Lions have helped a local artist by funding the cost of materials for his final degree piece.

Robin Shepherd from Ross approached the Lions Club when he had difficulty financing materials for his final piece for a show, which contributed towards his BA degree at Chelsea School of Art.

He was given £200 which helped him to buy the best materials to create a high quality sculpture.

He has now graduated from Chelsea with a First Class Honours degree and was also awarded the Outstanding Graduate Award for the sculpture.

As a result of the show, Robin is now working closely with the Hannah Barry Gallery in South London and has been offered a solo show next year.

Keith Wilding, Ross Lions president, said it was one of the aims of Lions to help young people reach their potential and wished Robin all the best for the future.