TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bradford-born, self-taught artist who suddenly died last week.

Much-loved grandfather Chris Ellerton, 56, was well known in the district for the art classes he ran at the Kirkgate Centre in Shipley. Back in 2014, he featured in the Telegraph & Argus after he was given the chance to paint eye-catching murals in the subways near Jacob’s Well in Bradford city centre.

At the time, he said he was “buzzing” that he had been given the chance to do it and spoke with pride about his work.

His family said he created thousands of canvasses over the years and his legacy will live on through his work in the subways, at The Gateway Centre in Ravenscliffe and at Ashcroft care home in Undercliffe.

His daughter Fallon, 32, also has a mural on the wall of her home in Greengates.

Paying tribute, Fallon and her sisters Kelsey, 30, and Abbie, 26, said Chris, in his younger years, had been a “loveable rogue, jack the lad” who had been in trouble with the police, but later in life threw his passion into painting.

It began after he saw a programme featuring American painter and art instructor Bob Ross. He bought some DVDs and the kit he needed and it became a major outlet for him, which he then passed on to many others over the years.

One of those people was Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who he gave an impromptu art lesson to when he visited Shipley.

In a meeting which hit national headlines, the pair worked on the piece, which they called Mount Chrisjez, for more than 20 minutes before they both signed it.

“Hero and best friend” Chris, who had COPD and emphysema, died of heart disease on December 2. It came as a complete shock to his family.

Fallon said: “He was a legend. The comments and messages we have received - that’s what we have found comforting - knowing he was special to a lot of people.Through all his pain and suffering, he managed to smile and make others happy everyday."

She described him as “the best dad in the world” and said: “He was the kindest person in the world, the most inspirational, kind and caring person. He was loyal. I always say he would do anything for the people he loved.”

Abbie added: “Everybody seems really, really proud of him. People were amazed by his artwork - people didn’t believe he’d done it when he first started.”

She said he was “hilarious” and said he could get a room laughing. Known as ‘dingy’ by friends, he also loved fishing at Silsden and called it his ‘laughing place’.

He’s survived by his children Fallon, Kelsey, Abbie, Neil and David and his six grandchildren.

Vick Jenkins, Volunteer Development Co-ordinator at the Kirkgate Centre and Labour councillor in Shipley, said: "Chris was a one-of-a kind volunteer here at the Kirkgate Centre.

"He was a self taught artist who came with the concept that anyone could produce a piece of art.

"His enthusiasm was contagious and a lot of the people who attended his classes over the past few years came because of the atmosphere he created as well as to paint.

"He was not who you would imagine a traditional art class teacher would be but that was all part of Chris' magic, to have your conceptions challenged.

"Chris' finest moment was when Jeremy Corbyn visited his class a couple of years ago and did a painting with Chris.

"The room was full of reporters and camera crews Chris managed to work his magic and had the room electrified with good humour.

"He always proudly showed new class members the painting he and Jeremy created together that day."