A talented art student, who dreams of painting Mansfield’s double Olympic Games gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington, has been awarded a £500 grant to further his development.

Joseph Norris (17), of Clipstone Village, a student at West Notts College, has received the Joan Oliver Award.

Each year four young people in the county receive help from the fund through the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation. The grant is awarded to help them pay for art materials, additional training, exhibition space or higher education fees.

Joseph said: “I feel privileged to receive the award. It means I will be able to continue doing what I love and help me with my applications to university to study fine art. My big dream is to do a portrait of Rebecca Adlington because she is our local hero.”

The Joan Oliver fund was been set up by Joan’s husband, Brian, as a tribute to her life and their love of art. It is one of 25 local funds the foundation, local charity experts, administers for local donors and companies. For information about the foundation, go to www.nottscf.org.uk or email [email protected].

CEO of the Foundation Nina Dauban said: “Many people wish to give to their community in life or death and we help them do that. This art award gives both the donor and I enormous pleasure in supporting such incredible talent as Joseph.

“We help many local people with their philanthropy and add value to their gift by ensuring it is given where it is most needed and 100% of it is spent on local charity activities.”

Pictured is Joseph receiving the award from Mr Oliver and Nina Dauban, chief executive of the foundation.