A Bradford-based scientist has harnessed his artistic talent in memory of the sudden and early death of his close colleague.

Dr John Blenkinsopp, who is a principal research fellow at Bradford University's School of Pharmacy, has already sold four of his paintings for £1,000, which will go to a memorial fund set up to remember Dr Tudor Evans.

Dr Evans was just 45 when he was found dead on an embankment at Hollingwood Lane, Clayton, near Field's Printers in February this year. An inquest into his death has yet to be held.

Dr Blenkinsopp, who is a qualified medical doctor and a pharmacist, was so moved by his friend's tragic and untimely death that he decided to give all the profits from his planned still-life and landscape exhibition to the memorial fund.

The fund, which was set up by the School of Pharmacy where both men worked, will award an annual prize of study books for students.

Dr Blenkinsopp, who lives in Skipton and has painted as a hobby for 25 years, said: "It was such a tragedy, a huge shock. Selling the paintings in aid of the fund was something positive I felt I could do."

And Dr Blenkinsopp, whose mother has also died since February's tragedy, said he used painting as a way of coping with his grief.

"The months running up to this event were difficult and made me slightly introspective," he said. "I found painting a useful way of expressing myself."

Entrance to the exhibition at Gallery II, in the University of Bradford's Chesham Building, is free. It is open weekdays from 10am to 4pm and at weekends from 11am until 3pm.