TWO talented artists have won a prestigious award.

Reading Guild of Artists’ (RGA) Marie Dyson Award was shared by Calina Lefter and Chris Mercier.

A ceremony was held at Reading Town Hall on March 1.

Anthony Wilder, chairman of RGA, said: “We always have an excellent field from which to choose the winner – and this year was no exception.

“Congratulations to Calina and Chris, who were such deserving joint winners. I am sure Diana Seidl had a hard time making her decision.”

The award is presented to the RGA member whose work is judged to be of outstanding merit by an invited and independent assessor.

Calina added: “It was the most wonderful surprise for me. Even when I heard my name, I didn’t understand exactly what had happened.

“I cannot express how grateful I am for being selected as joint winner of the Marie Dyson Award this year.”