AN ARTIST has spoken of her honour after her commemorative artwork for the anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack was shared online by The Prime Minister.

Anna Roberts, aged 28, a conceptual photographer and illustrator from Prestwich, created the drawing, which features bees flying in a heart shape, after being sparked by messages on social media.

She then shared the artwork on her Instagram page, annardoodles, with her own heartfelt message Manchester hash tags, and animation.

Ms Roberts said: "I got up on the Tuesday morning and saw some people posting about the anniversary on Facebook. I just felt inspired and I wanted to get something of my own out there.

"I wanted to take a horrible event and remember people through it and share the nice things that came afterwards."

A former pupil at The King David High School, Ms Roberts first became interested in art as an outlet after school.

After teaching herself how to use Photoshop using online tutorials, she then branched out into photography and illustration through web projects and communities.

She later completed an NVQ in Digital Imaging at Manchester College, and a degree at Leeds City College, before making her passion her career.

Ms Roberts said: "After the attack, the way that Manchester responded was just amazing — the stories of taxi drivers offering free fares and hotels opening up their rooms.

"And then all the donations to the hospitals, and artwork that appeared around Manchester city centre.

"The bee took on this message of strength, hope and community spirit after all these horrible things, and Manchester has felt different. My artwork was all about representing that strength Manchester has shown, and how people have come together.

"But at the same time it's being respectful and remembering people who are affected and will be affected forever."

Ms Roberts' artwork was then picked up by Theresa May who shared it via her Instagram account with a commemorative message.

The Prime Minister's post read: "Today my thoughts are with those in #Manchester who were lost on that terrible night and their loved ones who have so bravely battled to rebuild their lives. All of you – and many more in this great city - are the very best of what this country stands for."

Speak about Prime Minster May's post, Ms Robert's said: "I was really honoured. It was a surprise but it's nice to have my artwork represent her message and for it to reach more people."

Ms Robert's is now selling prints of the artwork, and will donate part of the profits to Manchester charities.

To purchase a print email Ms Robert's at annarobertsphotography@gmail.com

You can also visit her website on www.annarobertsphotography.co.uk and her Instagram on www.instagram.com/p/BjFLpJcFnkU/?taken-by=annardoodles