A RISING star in the photographic world has been chosen to design Craven District Council’s new boundary road signs.

Mary Woolf, 24, who is based in Settle, has been selected by the Great Place: Lakes and Dales (GPLD) group, which aims to use art, culture and heritage to attract and retain young people to live and work in the Lakes and Dales.

The announcement comes after Ms Woolf showcased her work at GPLD’s conference last November, and her work will be seen by thousands of cycling fans in September when part of the week long 2019 Road World Championships takes place in the area.

Ms Woolf was awarded a first class honours degree in photographic arts from the University of Westminster in 2016, and while studying in London, her family moved from Oxfordshire to the Yorkshire Dales and this allowed her to explore the landscape during the holidays, inspiring her final major project, ‘The Yorkshire Dales’, which was awarded the Travers Smith CSR Art Prize.

“I have spent time exploring the area and learning about the culture and history of this landscape," she said.

“I am interested in exploring how art can be used to promote Craven as an area suitable for young artists.

"I hope that the modern style of my work and the fact that photography is a medium that can be used by all will make the signs particularly appealing to young audiences.

"I am looking forward to producing signage that is representative of the district.”

“Mary’s appointment is great news for public art and young creatives in the area," said GPLD programme manager Lindsey Hebden.

"We are delighted that the panel – which included a young person – opted for a locally-based artist, who has recently started out on their career.

"We can’t wait to see Mary’s work in place.”