A local artist has been chosen from hundreds to compete in a portrait artist television show.

Kelly Frank from Chingford has been named one of the finalists against eight other artists for this year's Sky Arts' Portrait Artist of the Year series.

The 23-year-old teaches an adult art class with her mother who is a graphic designer in Chingford.

Miss Frank was a former architecture student and has been painting since she was 16.

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She said: "The best thing about being a portrait artist is people. I'm interested in hearing and telling sincere stories about peoples lives and translating that in my work. It helps me relate to them and also learn from them.

"I think there is a lot that can be revealed from non-verbal communication and the act of painting a face allows you to observe those nuances that reveal much more about a person.

"Having the opportunity to take part in the show and even having a professional sit for you for hours is such a blessing.

"I'm delighted to have taken part and want to see the progress and work of other amazing artists. I've also made some good friends!

"With Waltham Forest being the London Borough of Culture art this year, I'm happy to be representing art in the Forest."

It is presented by actor Stephen Mangan alongside Joan Bakewell.

Over a eight weeks 24 celebrities sitters such as Matthew Goode, Geraldine James and Andi Oliver will feature on the show.

The three finalists will paint actress and singer Laura Linney at the National Portrait Gallery and then given their own special commissions to be judged alongside their final work featuring musicians Claire Rutter, Jazzie B and Dame Cleo Lane.

The returning judges are Tai Shan Schierenberg, independent curator Kathleen Soriano and art historian Kate Bryan.

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The winner will be commissioned to paint the portrait of Sir Tom Jones which will hang in the permanent collection at the National Museum of Wales.

Stephen Mangan said: “Joan and I have seen some incredible artists come through the ranks and it has been fascinating to see their portraits of our celebrity sitters come to life. Painting done well is a kind of magic, painting done by me is a crime – so it was both a privilege and a relief to watch artists with genuine talent work their magic.”

Each celebrity sitter was allowed to keep one of their finished portraits, regardless of whether that artist progressed to the next stage.

This is the fifth series of the show which launched for the first time in 2013.

The eight heats were filmed in the courtyard of The Wallace Collection in London's Manchester Square.

The programme returns to screens on February 12 at 8pm on Sky Arts.

The show was produced by London and Glasgow-based production company Storyvault Films.