A Framilode woman will appear in a television programme being broadcast this evening.

Mary Donkin is taking part in Sky Art's Landscape Artist of the Year competition.

As well as the eight artists invited to take part in each heat, 50 wildcard artists are also able to take part.

Mary appeared as one of the wildcard artists at the heat in Plymouth Hoe. She and her fellow competitors had to contend with fearsome weather conditions, as strong winds and rain battered the south coast.

Mary said: "It's the most amazing experience. You have got 49 other artists all painting the same scene. It's not such a daunting experience, everyone's really really supportive.

"This year it poured with rain. I had to tie my easel down, it was very difficult. Even so it was still a fun day."

Mary, a retired teacher, took up painting after receiving lessons for her 50th birthday. She was also a wildcard artist in last year's competition.

She was not pleased with her effort on the show however, later tearing it up and using it for a collage.

"The whole point of it was the experience and actually doing a painting," she said.

"Every time you do a painting you get better.

"Art is what I do to relax I don't have to be competing with the great masters."

Mary and a group of friends are exhibiting their work at Hobbs House Bakery in Nailsworth from October 31 and throughout November.

Landscape Artist of the Year, produced by Storyvault Films, is being broadcast at 8pm tonight on Sky Arts.

Last year's competition was won by Thornbury artist Jen Gash.