Ten years on from her own graduation, a woman from Carlisle has been named the University of Cumbria's alumnus of the year. 

Yvette Earl works as a freelance illustrator, having studied for a BA (Hons) degree in illustration in her home city of Carlisle.

Earlier this year, she returned to the University to design a bright nature-based mural that breathed new life into the outdoor classroom on the Fusehill Street campus.

Yvette has also created a commemorative illustration of the Brampton Road campus where she was previously a student.

A limited print edition of this image has been created as part of the university’s Arts@60 activities taking place this autumn to mark 60 years of arts education from the campus in Stanwix, Carlisle. 

Often reflected in her popular architectural commissions, Yvette is a staunch supporter of her home city of Carlisle and the northern region, and was delighted when she received the news. 

She said: "I feel really honoured and incredibly proud. I think because I'm from Carlisle, it means a bit more. I was stunned when I found out in December, I got a letter about it and I was really shocked.

'I'm really thankful for the award and I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me, it's nice to be recognised.

"I've stayed in Carlisle and made a business here. I've managed to use my degree and make a business and a living out of it."

Yvette became completely self-employed in February of this year as a digital illustrator. She has worked with the BBC and has had her work exhibited in Gateshead at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and at the Roca Gallery in London.

Returning to Carlisle Cathedral 10 years on from her own graduation in 2013 was extra special for Yvette. 

She said: "It feels even more special. I would encourage students to stick at it, because it has taken me 10 years to go self-employed. Up north, the creative industries are a little bit harder to crack. But if you work really hard and don't get disheartened, you can make it.