22 November 2012 Last updated at 10:33 ET

Truro School art student Valeria Duca wins Moldavian award

Valeria started at Truro School in September

An international student studying at a Cornish school has won a national award for her artwork.

Valeria Duca, 17, from Moldova, who started a scholarship at Truro School in September, won the Youth Award for Literature and Art from her government.

She was recognised for promoting her country abroad at art exhibitions.

Valeria is planning an exhibition in Truro with the hope it will pay for her final year at the school, before she applies to the Royal College of Art.

She said: "For an artist new experiences are very important and I think Cornwall will have a big impact on my work as the landscapes here are amazing."

Valeria has so far exhibited her work in Italy, Russia, Romania, the Ukraine and Great Britain and was the youngest participant in the 117-year-old Venice Biennale.

Paul Smith, head teacher of the school, said: "We are very proud of Valeria who is an excellent role model for our students and other young people."

The award ceremony in Moldova, which Valeria could not go to, was attended by the country's Prime Minister, Vlad Filat.