AN Australian has scooped top prize in an unusual Somerset art competition.

Ching Ching Pi Pi Ee, 69, was awarded this year's Turnip Prize for his work entitled Panda Mick - (pandemic, geddit?).

His prize awarded at a ceremony in the New Inn, Wedmore, was a turnip mounted on a six-inch nail.

Organiser Trevor Prideaux said: “I am delighted with the lack of effort taken to create this work.”

Ching Ching Pi Pi Ee, an architect originally from Sydney, said “I have always had grand designs on art and wanted to create something contemporary to build on the foundation of my black and white portfolio.

“It’s a great honour to win this prestigious award.”

Mr Prideaux said the annual competition attracted 96 entries this year.

He added: "It’s fantastic that Ching Ching Pi Pi Ee has won.

"He clearly has what it takes to be recognised in modern art circles and will be remembered in art history for no time at all.

"I believe that over the last 23 years the artists entering The Turnip Prize have created by far better works than Alex Farquharson and The Tate Britain Gallery could ever wish to exhibit."

The four finalists' work will be on show at the New Inn, Wedmore, until Friday (December 3).

Mr Prideaux said that all entries left in the pub after Friday will be thrown in a skip.