Paul Rooney has won the Northern Art Prize 2008.

He was selected from a shortlist including Clare Charnley, Richard Forster and Imogen Stidworthy by this year's judges Iwona Blazwick, Louisa Buck, Georgina Starr, Anita Zabludowicz and Tanja Pirsig-Marshall.

The judges commented 'It was a difficult decision this year but Rooney's inventive, energetic and eclectic work stood out. The work on show for the prize proved him to be a fresh, original voice in today's Northern art scene'.

Rooney was presented with the £16,500 prize by artist Georgina Starr, Artist and Northern Art Prize judge. The remaining artists received £1500 each.

The exhibition of all the artists' work continues at Leeds Art Gallery until 1 February. To find out more about the exhibition, longlisted artists, nominators and selectors, please go to Current Prize.