A STREET artist from Malmesbury has wowed the crowds at the world famous Bath Christmas Market this year.

Luke Hollingworth, aka Syd, saw off over 170 other small businesses from around the West Country to win the prestigious ‘best dressed’ chalet prize.

The Christmas market in Bath is the largest of its kind in the south west and attracted 390,000 visitors last year, raising £20.2million for the local economy.

“I’m honoured to achieve this prestigious accolade and I’m very proud to do this with the help of my wife and father-in-law,” said Luke.

“It was a big surprise to win. I aimed to get in the top three, and thought I had chance, but to win was fantastic; against my wildest dreams.

“I was very conscious it had to look good at night as it gets dark earlier, so it had to be something that caught the eye.

“When the wind got up the nervousness was there, but thanks to Dave Radcliffe who did the build of the shed, it stayed safe.”

Caroline Hook, PR and communications at Bath Tourism Plus, who organised the Bath Christmas Market, said: “We sent our chief executive David James and a local journalist to pick to decide which was the most visual chalet, based on lights, display of stock, interior and the actual exterior design.

“Syd’s was very creative and his product is very unusual.

“On top of his chalet he recreated Bath Abbey with the George’s flag, and empty aerosol cans on top to represent turrets.

“He really pushed the boat out and that’s what we like to see.”

Luke will be taking his art to festivals across the country next year including Glastonbury.

You can find his work at thestencilshed.co.uk