A PAINTER has been named runner-up in a national art competition...even though judges did not know she was blind.

Annie Fennymore, of Maypole Drive, St Osyth, entered the painting of her guide dog Amber in the Helen Keller International Award.

The competition is for artwork exploring or inspired by sensory deprivation.

Ms Fennymore said: “When I was told I was going to lose my sight, I decided that I would embrace it. I told myself that it would be very different but a very exciting life, full of new things to learn and explore.

“I really enjoy doing my art because it gives me an outlet, and I believe in what I do.”

She paints using quick-dry gel to mark out the shapes on her canvas and uses her fingers to paint. She has a special pen that scans the colours and tells her what each one is.

Ms Fennymore lost her sight three years ago after a long battle with a condition which fractured her optic nerves and cut off blood flow.

She volunteers with the Essex Blind Charity and Guide Dogs for the Blind to help other people get to grips with losing their sight.

The painting has been on display at Glasgow Caledonian University. She won £200 and a trophy.

One of her pieces was also selected as a finalist for the Elderly Accommodation Counsel over-sixties art awards and will be displayed at the Royal Birmingham Society of Arts until May 21.

Ms Fennymore said: “The greatest prize any artist can get is having their work on show, and I’m so proud to have two pieces in exhibitions.”