An artist from Bushey won first prize for his master piece at a prestigious art exhibition.

Theo Matoff received £2,000 for his painting, entitled Mort in the Garden, at the Susan J. Brown Community Art Exhibition at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.

The painting was "an affectionate and moving image" based on his friend Mort Karp, who passed away from a heart attack in1988.

Mr Matoff said: "It was a very big surprise, we did not expect it, it felt really good."

The 83 year-old’s painting of a peacock was also in contention for first prize.

Mr Matoff plans to use his prize money to buy more supplies for his art workshop and treat his wife to dinner.

"I am submitting to several galleries to be taken on board and Saatchi gallery is one of them," he said.

All the prize winning paintings will be displayed at the Catto Gallery in Hampstead between January 17-18.

To view Mr Matoff’s other paintings visit www.matoff.com.