A Weybridge schoolgirl may have won a place at the Beijing Olympics, but for her artistic talents not sporting skills.
Alysha Bhatti, 13, from Beechwood Close, struck gold in a international children's art competition when her Olympics-inspired picture was selected as a UK regional winner.
If judges choose her picture as the overall UK winner, the star pupil from Sir William Perkin's School in Chertsey will have her work put on a flag to be flown in Beijing during the games next to other worldwide winners.
She will also win a dream trip to the Olympics to see her flag - and the games - in the flesh.
"I can't believe it," she said. "I'm so excited. To go to the games would be a dream come true."
Inspired by the competiton theme, "One World, One Dream" Alysha's drawing depicts a British athlete performing over the Great Wall of China with people from different cultures from around the world.
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"I wanted my design to show the positive energy generated by sports and creativity," she said. "The centrepiece of this picture is the athlete taking a giant leap. Her dream has come true. My artwork also shows the people of the world integrating and joining hands to weave the fabric of goodwill and friendship."
In recognition of Alysha's achievement, Sir William Perkin's was awarded a £1000 donation by competiton organisers Visa to spend on arts materials or sports equipment.
Alysha herself has scooped a personal prize of £100 of arts materials. But in her mind the true prize is the six night trip to the games. "I really like sports, but to be involved in something as important as the Olympics, and to meet the other winners from around the world would be really special," she said.
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