TWO medical artists at the Royal Bolton Hospital have been recognised as up and coming illustrators in their field.

Ruth Eaves and student Kelly Wilkinson, who work in the hospital's medical illustration department, do traditional and computer illustrations of surgical work.

Mrs Eaves, aged 32, from St Helens, has been asked to join a committee supervising a postgraduate course at Manchester University and the Royal College of Surgeons in London.

She will be on a panel of the Medical Artists' Association and will help to interview students hoping to do the postgraduate course.

Mrs Eaves, who recently completed the postgraduate course, said: "As well as interviewing, I will be helping the teachers with the syllabus because I've done the course and can advise them on my experiences.

"Joining the committee will hopefully lead to teaching."

Mrs Eaves studied for the postgraduate course at home while working at the hospital.

Miss Wilkinson, aged 25, from Preston, has been given a bursary to work with the country's best medical illustrators as part of her course.

She said: "I always wanted a job that involved anatomy and art. There are 11 students on the course and two of us have received bursaries.

"I will split my time between learning more about the pen and ink technique and a photo software programme, working with experts in London."

The hospital's medical illustration department consists of six medical photographers, two medical artists, a graphic designer and a personal assistant.

They also produce diagrams, work for exhibitions, hospital brochures, leaflets and maps.