A young Irish artist will have her work viewed by millions of web surfers this week after being crowned the country's top doodler.

Donegal teenager Ruth Deeney scooped first prize in the contest to get her drawing displayed on internet giant Google's homepage.

The fourth-year student, from Loreto Community School in Milford, will now see her futuristic-themed drawing go online on Wednesday.

The star pupil also received a 10,000 euro technology grant for her school and a laptop for herself and her teacher.

More than 75,000 public votes were cast to select the four finalists in the Doodle 4 Google contest under the theme My Future.

Ruth's drawing of a fortune teller gazing into a crystal ball was then handpicked for the number one spot by Google's master doodler Michael Lopez.

Mr Lopez, who treated all 80 regional winners to a creative art class in Dublin, said choosing the top picture had been a tough task.

"I am delighted to return to Ireland this year to once again see the fabulous creativity and talent displayed by young Irish artists," he added.

"Ruth's doodle will look great on Google's home page."

The public now has the chance to view all of the finalists' doodles, at a special exhibition in Dublin's Science Gallery which runs until Thursday.