Victoria Boarer has only been a serious artist since January but her first painting was bought just hours after it went on sale.

The 19-year-old is one of the youngest artists to have secured a prime position at the Synergy gallery in Hove.

Victoria, of Brunswick Road, Hove, exhibits her abstract art under the name "Miss Tori".

She also exhibits at Abbey Court Leisure and Fitness Centre in Portslade, where she sold her first painting for £200.

Victoria, originally from Chichester, attended an international college in southern Spain, where she lived with her mother and stepfather.

She returned to Brighton to study for A-levels.

She said: "After college I started a degree in forensic crime scene examination at Brighton University.

"But just before Christmas I heard a degree wasn't essential - they can train you on the job - so I thought I'd give art a go.

"When I had enough work I was proud of I took it to the Synergy and they said I was in. I was delighted."

Maarten Hoffman, director of the gallery, said: "She paints with a maturity far in advance of her years."

Victoria is looking for other artists interested in exhibiting at Abbey Court. Call her on 0778 9540894.