An Iraqi who fled his home country after exhibiting political paintings has picked up his brush again to document his struggles as an asylum seeker.

Warza Mirza, 39, created a series of paintings and drawings illustrating why he left Iraq and the difficulties he faced on his way to the UK.

And the jewel of the exhibition, which finished last week, was a half-finished jacket created by the former tailor, and painted with some of the emotive scenes.

The show the final part of his art course at Bradford College also depicts his arrival in Bradford six years ago.

Warza escaped his homeland after staging a group exhibition highlighting human rights focusing on women's rights in particular.

He said: "It's all about the journey, the dangers we were facing. It of course makes me feel better to show my story to other people."

Warza's tutor, Kate Rawnsley, said: "The series of drawings, prints and the unfinished jacket document this journey in a very graphic and skilled way.

"Warza is a highly intelligent and talented artist and has proved a great inspiration for staff and students alike.

"He has made us all realise the value of cultural and artistic freedom."

But Warza, who has been offered a place on a fine art degree course at the college, told the Telegraph & Argus his struggles were far from over.

As reported previously, Warza had his application and appeals for asylum refused. He says he is now in "limbo". The Government expects him to leave the country voluntarily, but he fears he cannot safely go back home and wants to stay in Bradford.

As a result of his difficulties his former boss and friend, Raymond Lister, was forced to let him go.

"He was the best tailor I ever had. I was so annoyed when they took the work permit off him," Mr Lister said.

Mr Lister said Warza, who paid tax and insurance when he was employed, was a talented man who brought a lot to the community.

A Home Office spokesman said he could not comment on individual cases. "There is clearly a difficult position in parts of Iraq, but that doesn't apply to all areas and this is one of the reasons why all applications are considered on their individual merits," he said.

e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk