A talented artist is to meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his skills as a member of the Prince's Youth Trust.

Michael Munton, 22, of North Hall Avenue, Thackley, so impressed the staff at the Bradford branch of the Prince's Trust that his name was put forward to attend the special occasion, which honours talented youths, at Buckingham Palace on June 1.

Secretary to the Prince's Trust Maralyn Adey, described Mr Munton as a talented individual.

"He has endured a hard life and turned it into something positive.

"He is an incredible young man who is teaching art to young offenders in conjunction with the probation service and teaches kids martial arts. He is such a giving person and incredibly modest," she said.

Mr Munton, was first featured in the Telegraph & Argus in March, appealing for cash to help him complete a course to perfect a new art technique known as 'wet on wet,' in Holland.

The method allows artists to complete their work quickly as they do not have to wait for the paint to dry.

The first part of his course, was funded by the Prince's Trust. But organisation rules prevent it from paying for the final session.

Mr Munton still needs to raise £900 for the session in the summer.

Mr Munton said it was an honour to be invited to the Palace and said he was looking forward to the event.

But right now he is concentrating on what he enjoys best and that is giving back to the community.

Yesterday he enthralled youngsters at Abbey Green Nursery School in Green Lane, Manningham, with his painting skills.

Headteacher Carole Ver said she was delighted that he had agreed to come to the school.

Mr Munton is renewing his appeal for organisations to help fund his trip to Holland.

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