HEREFORDSHIRE'S very own budding cartoonist Bethan Tector put herself in the picture by attending the semi-final of 'Capri-Sun's' search for the UK's best young cartoonist.

Bethan, aged 11, from Ashperton, near Ledbury, beat off competition from hundreds of young artists to secure her place alongside 14 other talented cartoonists in the regional contest at Bristol Zoo.

During the day, Bethan received a master-class from professional cartoonists that work for The Beano and Dandy comics and had the chance to submit a second drawing as she competes for the ultimate title of Best Young Cartoonist 2003.

If she wins the top prize, Bethan will have the chance to see her creation published and enjoy an all expenses paid trip to the comics' HQ.

To enter the competition, comic fans were invited to create a cartoon strip that could feature anything as long as it was silly plus complete a 'Capri-Sun' teaser.