Three Cumbrian artists have been named as finalists in a national art competition raising money for Young Minds UK.

The competition, launched by Castlegate House Art gallery Cockermouth, has raised £12,000 through entry fees.

Kendal based artist Catherine MacDiarmid was chosen for her piece,‘Behind The Corpse Bride Paint.’

The award winning portrait artist has been seen on multiple televised competitions including Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, where she reached the semifinals in 2019.

Last year the artist displayed a solo exhibition at the Brewhouse in Kendal.

She said: “ I am utterly thrilled and overwhelmed to get into this inaugural competition run by a very prestigious gallery in my home county, Cumbria.

“ Not only that but one that has actively raised funds for the charity Young Minds.

“Behind the Corpse Bride Paint is from a current theme that explores disguises and masks in face paint and I am delighted that it has caught the judges attention.”

Two other Lake District based artists made the top 30.

Kevin Weaver, for ‘Through the eyes of a child, Mugungo Rwandan refugee Camp, Zaire, 1994’.

And Libby Edmondson for ‘Hope’.

The winner will be revealed on September 12.