A Westhoughton-based artist has been shortlisted from hundreds of entries to take part in the 'Wildlife Artist if the Year' exhibition.

Daniel Wilson's charcoal drawings were among the159 artworks which made the final exhibition.

This year there were 1,200 entries from artists across 53 countries. The shortlisted artworks are being displayed in an online exhibition until Sunday June 28.

The competition is run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a conservation charity based in the UK.

Half of all the artwork sales go towards the organisation's work in protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

Daniel said: "It's amazing to be shortlisted even though it's a shame that it's online this year.

"It's quite an honour really to be selected, it's a pretty amazing feeling to be alongside so many talented artists.

"I just saw it advertised online and thought I would like to enter that, I first entered it three years ago and I've been selected each year.

"One of my paintings in the exhibition has sold for £3,500, with half of that amount going straight to charity. I've also had a few commissions from people who've seen my work which is nice.

"There's been a lot of interest in the artworks which goes to show you don't have to have a physical exhibition to appreciate it all.

"The prizes were announced earlier this week, and although I wasn't selected it was still nice to take part."

The 25-year-old is an A Level Biology teacher at Carmel College in St Helens, but he works on the drawings in his free time.

Daniel contacts photographers online and creates artworks in charcoal or acrylic paint based on their photos.

"The artwork is something I do as a hobby, I find it really relaxing and it's nice that I can share what I do.

"I've been painting and drawing since I was about 14, I pretty much focus on wildlife although I also do pet and family portraits."

To view the exhibition visit davidshepherd.org.