An “extremely talented” sixth form student has spoken of her delight after her artwork was chosen to go on show at the Houses of Parliament.

A painting by Salma Ashraf, who attends Leyton Sixth Form College, was this week selected from more than 200 entries across England to feature in the Association of Colleges’ exhibition.

The painting depicts Salma’s friend Paulina Jurkeviciute.

“I feel honoured that was my painting was selected, it feels surreal to me,” the 18-year-old said.

“There was a sense of fragility about the figure when their surrounding and context is removed. 

"The amount of negative around the figure was also important for the emotion portrayed.”

The painting is one of Salma’s pieces for her A level in fine art.

Leyton Sixth Form College Principal, Kevin Watson, said: “Salma is a hard-working and extremely talented student and it is very pleasing to see her work being recognised in such lofty settings.”

The exhibition will take place in the Upper Waiting Hall from April 17.

Visitors are expected to include Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, Shadow Education Secretary, Tristram Hunt, and Commons Speaker John Bercow.

Salma’s work is on display alongside 20 other pieces from colleges.