AN ART student’s design is top hat for a Winchester festival.

Tom Rainford, a graphic arts student of Winchester School of Art, won a competition to create posters and programmes for the city’s annual Hat Fair.

The 21-year-old’s design, featuring colourful models of Winchester Cathedral, was chosen because it reflected the ethos and vibrancy of the event.

Tom said: “I’m delighted my design has been chosen. The Hat Fair is hugely popular and it will be great to see my design so prominent around the city.”

Tom received £100 prize money and a runner-up prize was presented to fellow student, 19-year-old Owen Jones, whose design came second.

Sian Thomas, Hat Fair director of celebrations, said: “The high quality of entries surpassed my expectations.

“Tom's winning image will represent Hat Fair for the whole year and I am very proud of it.”

Winchester’s Hat Fair is Britain’s longest running festival of street theatre and outdoors arts.

This year’s is on July 1-4 and will feature outdoor performances and shows from more than 45 companies.