A WORLD-renowned artist has visited Downing Street after winning a national award.

Shahida Ahmed, from Nelson, took home the Award for Excellence in the Arts at this year’s Alhambra Muslim News awards.

The former Nelson and Colne College student has exhibited her works at The Royal Opera Arcade Gallery in London, the Islamic Museum of Australia and the VM Gallery in Karachi, Pakistan.

The mother-of-three said: “I feel proud to be British and from Pendle.

“I am very humbled and honoured to receive this award, I hope I continue to inspire the youth to pursue a career in the arts.

“I was delighted to represent the North West at a national level and I want to continue to use my artwork to create a dialogue beyond colour, faith, gender, culture and race.”

Ms Ahmed was given the award by cabinet minister Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government at an awards evening.

Prime Minister Theresa May invited Ms Ahmed and other award winners to celebrate the festive season of Eid at 10 Downing Street.

Pendle’s MP Andrew Stephenson attended with Ms Ahmed at the event.

Ms Ahmed said: “It was an honour to be invited by the Prime Minister to 10 Downing Street and celebrate diversity and representing my constituency.”

The artist has also held a private exhibition for Prince Charles in 2010, as well as presenting the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, with her work.

Ms Ahmed will be showcasing her works at an exhibition in Katara, a cultural area of Doha, Qatar.

Mr Stephenson said: “Shahida is a wonderful role model for artists, not just locally and nationally but globally.

“She is a really inspiring woman and I wished her all the best at the awards evening.”

Ms Ahmed added: “I am working on two international shows and hoping to bring an exhibition to Pendle very soon.”