A BOLTON artist is coming face to face with some unusual subjects as she produces an exhibition for Chester Zoo.

Katy Hollinshead, aged 29, fought off dozens of rivals to become the zoo's artist in residence, and will spend the next six months working there.

The artist, from Egerton, is focusing mainly on the birds in the zoo, but will also get chance to study the many endangered animals there, such as black rhinos, lions, jaguars, and chimpanzees.

Katy, who began her residency last month, said: "This is a brilliant chance for me, and I'm really enjoying it. The animals are all different, and there's so much to learn about them. It's just fantastic.

"The zoo is an incredible place. I have always loved animals and am slightly overwhelmed at spending so much time close to them.

"I really hope my work captures the individual characters of the animals and their environments."

Visitors to the zoo may spot Katy during opening hours, but she is also trying to capture the animals during quieter moments.

The former Turton High School pupil received a first class degree in embroidery from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2003, but prefers the spontaneity of drawing.

She is the zoo's second artist in residence.

An exhibition of Katy's work will be held in Chester Zoo's Wildlife Discovery Centre in October, when her work will be available to buy.