THE career of a teenage artist looks set to soar after her portrait of Alesha Dixon was snapped up by the singer herself.

Jasmine Lewis-Gray, 17, who is studying animation at South Essex College, painted the Britain’s Got Talent judge for a charity auction to raise cash for Basildon Women’s Aid, as the former Mis-Teeq singer is the charity’s patron.

The art work was sent to the singer for her to sign so it would be worth more at auction, but Alesha loved it so much, she decided she had to keep it herself The star, whose hits include the Boy Does Nothing and Breathe Slow, made a donation to the charity in exchange for the painting, as well as giving two tickets to Britain’s Got Talent for the auction.

Jasmine’s mum, Heidi Gray, of Third Avenue, Stanford-le-Hope, said: “Alesha sent Jasmine a personal video message, explaining she had decided to keep it as she loved it so much.

“I’m really proud of Jasmine.

“Jasmine is hoping Alesha will spread the word, and she will be commissioned to do some more paintings to help her save for her own dream of attending Cal Arts University, in Los Angeles, next year to do her degree and masters in animation.”

The auction and fundraiser was held at the Orsett Hall Hotel on Friday last week, and saw £25,000 being raised for the charity, with the Britain’s Got Talent tickets raised £750.

Money is still coming in, and the charity is hoping to surpass last year’s fundraising total of £32,000.

The proceeds will go towards supporting children of mums who have fled their homes because of abusive partners.