A seven-year-old boy from Knaresborough will be having his artwork shown at an exhibition at the Royal Academy in London this summer.

Conor Steward, who attends Aspin Park Academy in the town, won a competition entered by his school to have his drawing shown as part of the Young Artists’ Summer Show.

A panel of artists and arts professionals choose his drawing of a heron from thousands of submissions to join a selection of artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.

His drawing of a heron was inspired by his love of wildlife, which has grown over the course of lockdown.

He previously had a drawing of an otter published after winning a competition in a children’s nature magazine.

Conor with his heron drawing, which will be shown at the Royal Academy in London in the summer

Conor said:

“I am so excited and happy about going to London to see my picture on display.”

Conor is allowed to sell his picture for £20 and wants to donate any money raised to Macmillan Cancer Support.

His piece was framed by Andy Grinter, who owns Green Dragon Framing in Knaresborough.

The Young Artists’ Summer Show is open to the public from from July 13 to August 8.