A NATURAL flair for art has earned a graduate a top award.

Richard Seed, of Daisy Hill, was one of only 30 out of 1,800 students to have their work recognised with a Design and Art Direction award.

The former Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil received the accolade in the Scientific and Natural History Illustration category.

The awards are handed out by educational charity D&AD, founded in 1962 on behalf of the international design and advertising industries.

Richard is currently spending a year travelling in Australia after graduating from the School of Art and Design at Blackpool and The Fylde College with a BA Hons. He said he was "shocked but delighted" with the award.

Richard's work formed part of the 2005 D&AD New Blood exhibition held recently in London. Awards were given to the top 30 graduates on show.

Mark Seymour, programme leader from the School of Art and Design, said: "These awards are pretty rare and very prestigious.

"Richard's work reflects the evolution of his design skills and artistic talent to communicate complex situations and structures in nature."

One of his illustrations depicts wildlife at the edge of Rumworth Lodge.

Mr Seymour said: "This was part of a second year project that shows an eye for unusual perspectives."

Richard's achievement means he will be included in the new D&DA graduate placement scheme, which will give him a head start in his career as a freelance illustrator.