A PENSIONER who picked up a brush after being diagnosed with cancer and went on to sell paintings all over the world has vowed never to forget his local roots.

Peter Chippendale, 65, has sold thousands of his 'wobbly' paintings worldwide, including Bulgaria, Germany, America, Canada and Indonesia, but said he prefers interacting with his customers at carboot sales.

Mr Chippendale, whose work is an integration of the Lowry and Salvador Dali style, can be found each Sunday with his wife Christine at Clitheroe Auction Mart.

And he said he prefers that than exhibiting at a gallery as “he is not in it for the money”.

Mr Chippendale, who used to work as an electricians labourer in Blackburn, said: “Being at the car boot sale is the thing that I like. I get to go out and meet people who are buying off me. I am not after rich people to go and buy them off me for silly money. I think art should be affordable for everybody. I shun galleries because I think they’re greedy.

“I don’t do it to make a killing. I do it for the enjoyment. I enjoy talking to people on an individual basis about my art and hopefully I can inspire others to pick up a brush.”

Mr Chippendale was diagnosed with skin cancer around eight years ago. As a distraction his wife bought him a paint brush and canvas and he said he hasn’t been able to stop ever since.

Father-of-two Mr Chippendale said: “When I got cancer I didn’t know if I was going to survive or not at first. All these memories came flooding back . I was spurred on to get everything on canvas before it was too late.

“It’s kind of just gone from there really. It brings me great enjoyment and hopefully the work brings enjoyment to others.”

Mr Chippendale produced the illustrations on a children’s book about Burnley Football Club mascot Bertie Bee but has also shown a sense of humour in his work. One of his up-and-coming pieces depicts the Grim Reaper showing his support for East Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers.