A Preston-based artist has won one of the most prestigious prizes in world art.

Professor Lubaina Himid MBE has been crowned as the winner of the 2017 Turner Prize.

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The contemporary art lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire has seen her work on display since September in Hull as part of its UK City of Culture celebrations.

She said: “It’s great to win, especially as so many people in Preston were rooting for me. It will make a huge difference to my profile and give a platform to the issues I want to champion.”

Her work has been pinpointed as a key part of the black arts movement in the UK.

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Head of the school of art, design and fashion at UCLan Maria Murray said: “We are incredibly proud of Lubaina’s achievement on what is arguably one of the art world’s biggest stages.

“Simply being nominated for this globally recognised award is a tremendous feat but to win it is amazing.

“Lubaina has worked hard throughout her career to share stories relating to African diaspora and the slave industry that otherwise may never be told. She is a great inspiration to our students who have followed her Turner Prize journey with excitement and benefit immensely from her creativity and experience.”

Turner Prize judges nominated her for ‘addressing pertinent questions for personal and political identity’.

Lubaina was born in Zanzibar and grew up in London before moving to Preston in the 1980s.

She is the oldest person to win the prize, aged 62.

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Vice-chancellor professor Mike Thomas said: “Lubaina has really put the University on the art world map. We’ve always known that Preston and UCLan has a strong artistic community but this recognition has brought it to a national stage. It is a magnificent achievement.”