A Finsbury animal sketcher is in the running for a prestigious international art prize.

David Haslam, of River Street, has made the shortlist for the Wildlife Artist of the Year and the £10,000 prize money that goes with it.

His work will be displayed alongside the other finalists at the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s exhibition, in London’s Mall Galleries from June 20 to July 4.

He said: “My love of animals has been a major influence in my life and this has inspired my work.

“My cognitive problems lead to difficulties relating to humans: I find them unpredictable and, at times, unfathomable. Animals help me manage my feelings of isolation and build bridges.”

David Shepherd CBE, who launched the art competition in 2008 to raise funds and awareness for endangered wildlife, said: “The short-listed entries are once again exceptional.

“From the judges’ point of view the drama and technical excellence in all the work was quite breath-taking.”