AN artist who grew up in Warrington could see his work featured on a coach that will transport passengers around the country for a year.

Ben Watson is a finalist in a National Express competition for his design which he hopes will raise awareness of endangered species.

The final eight designs are now open to a public vote and if the former Priestley College student wins his work will be transformed into a 14m-long display on the side of one of the company’s coaches.

Ben, 27, who is currently studying fine art at Wimbledon College of Art, said: “I am an animal lover and came up with the idea after watching David Attenborough documentaries.

“All the animals illustrated in the work are endangered species due to the impact of human beings on this planet and I wanted to use the platform to send a message that by making some simple lifestyle changes we could do a lot of good.

“It would be an amazing opportunity to win this competition. I see National Express coaches all the time when I’m on travelling back up north so to have my work displayed on one that millions of people would see would be a huge achievement.”

Chris Hardy, managing director at National Express, added: “I am extremely pleased with the high standard of entries we have had in for this competition. Shortlisting them down to just eight was a tricky task.

“The online public vote is open until Monday so we would encourage people to choose a favourite.”

To vote for Ben’s entry visit nationalexpress.com/en/driving-design.