YOUNG artists in Devon are starting to feel the benefit of a bursary scheme sponsored by a local business.

Helpful Holidays, based in Chagford, have sponsored the 'Emerging Artist' Bursary Scheme run by the Devon Artist Network.

Funding has been awarded to five Devon artists, who express their creativity through a variety of mediums ranging from photography and mixed media mosaics to pencil crayon on paper, and the bursaries will help develop their fledgling careers.

Amy McCarthy from Exeter is one of the five artists to benefit from the bursaries. After visiting Amy in her studio, where she works with stained glass and mixed media, Helpful Holidays PR manager Helen Hayes said: 'Amy's windows are lovely. They're full of colour and vigour and we can't wait to see more of her work throughout the year.'

Amy's work is inspired by the beautiful Devon landscape. Her striking designs reflect her love of colour. Waste glass and recycled or found objects are incorporated into her mixed-media mosaics, which have been exhibited across the region.

The bursaries are also designed to help and encourage the artists to take part in the annual Devon Open Studios event run by the Devon Artists Network. The flagship project of the DAN and the largest of its kind in England, Devon Open Studios invites artists across the county to open their studios to visitors and exhibit their work. It provides a unique opportunity to meet artists in their place of work and discuss their work and artistic processes.

This year's event takes place from September 3 to 18.