Bradford painter Bob Barker has been an inspiration to Birstall-born Paul Heeley.

Mr Heeley became interested in art about seven years ago while visiting the Smart Gallery at Redbrick Mill where he first came across the work of Bob Barker. This prompted Paul to start visiting galleries across the region and, after a trip to Oakwell Hall’s Art in the Barn three years ago, he decided to turn his hand to painting and have a go himself.

Now he has an exhibition of 26 pictures at Batley Library - his first solo event.

A self-employed plumber and heating engineer, he said “I went to visit Bob in his studio, which I have done on many occasions since, and watched him paint. Bob paints using a glazing technique which I myself have started to use and feel it has really improved my painting skills.

“My ambition is to reach a level of competence, so that I can exhibit my work in the Smart Gallery where my interest first began. I’m really grateful to Bob for all his input and help in getting to this stage.”

The exhibition runs until August 30 and all the work on display is for sale with prices starting at just £40.