A North Norfolk artist is this year's winner of Holt Festival's Sir John Hurt Art Prize and the accompanying cheque for £1,750.

North Norfolk News: Frances Blythe's Sunset 300 won the Sir John Hurt prize at Holt Festival. Pictures: The Photographer's GalleryFrances Blythe's Sunset 300 won the Sir John Hurt prize at Holt Festival. Pictures: The Photographer's Gallery (Image: Archant)

Frances Blythe, who lives in Ridlington, near Happisburgh, was awarded the top prize by the judges who had to select from almost 250 entries from around the country.

After lengthy deliberations her oil on canvas painting Sunset was unanimously chosen by the three member judging panel

Ms Blythe, 65, said: 'I'm very pleased and thrilled to have won the prize. It's also rather special to have my work on show alongside the very first exhibition of the paintings of Sir John Hurt.'

As well as the cash, the prize includes her winning entry being exhibited at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts later in the year.

North Norfolk News: Anwen Hurt, James Glennie, Robert Upstone, Frances Blythe and Eileen Cooper. Pictures: The Photographer's GalleryAnwen Hurt, James Glennie, Robert Upstone, Frances Blythe and Eileen Cooper. Pictures: The Photographer's Gallery (Image: Copyright:Rodney Smith)

The prize was renamed Holt Festival - Sir John Hurt Art Prize last year in honour of the Norfolk screen legend.

Meanwhile, there's still plenty to enjoy in the final weekend of the bumper 10th anniversary Holt Festival in the stylish north Norfolk Georgian town.

Friday, July 27 will see two of North Norfolk's major Norfolk Day events with a very special appearance by the county's best loved comedy duo The Nimmo Twins. And Peter Wilson, who was Chief Executive of Norwich Theatre Royal for 25 years, will be performing TS Eliot's Four Quartets, followed by a Q&A chaired by Dame Margaret Hodge.

The glorious Theatre in the Woods plays host to a series of outdoor weekend treats.

North Norfolk News: Singer-songwriter Tom Baxter who will be appearing with his band at Holt FestivalPhoto: TOM BAXTERSinger-songwriter Tom Baxter who will be appearing with his band at Holt FestivalPhoto: TOM BAXTER (Image: Archant)

On Friday The Tom Baxter Band will be playing songs from their new album, and Saturday sees chart topper Leo Sayer, who has had hit records in every decade since the 1970s.

The festival finale in the beautiful outdoor setting is TV comedy giant Jasper Carrott on Sunday evening.

Making good his promise to reschedule after last year's enforced cancellation due to essential heart surgery, the brilliant Brummie funnyman will present his Stand Up and Rock show blending comedy with an all-star band featuring ELO and The Move founder member Bev Bevan.

North Norfolk News: Seventies pop star Leo Sayer, who will be appearing at this year's Holt FestivalPhoto: submittedSeventies pop star Leo Sayer, who will be appearing at this year's Holt FestivalPhoto: submitted (Image: Archant)

For the full run down of events visit www.holtfestival.org or call the box-office on 01603 598699

North Norfolk News: Anwen Hurt, James Glennie, Robert Upstone, Frances Blythe and Eileen Cooper. Pictures: The Photographer's GalleryAnwen Hurt, James Glennie, Robert Upstone, Frances Blythe and Eileen Cooper. Pictures: The Photographer's Gallery (Image: Copyright:Rodney Smith)