A DARWEN artist is thrilled at the success of his first major project - with an almost instant sell out.

The 26-year-old designed and painted this year's Darwen Civic Society Christmas cards which were all gone within days.

Billy Almond was commissioned to paint the picture which showed a snowy Darwen Tower.

The cards went on sale in the last week of November and were all sold out at the end of the first week of December.

They were available for £2 for a pack of five from various points in the town including the town hall and a variety of shops.

Billy has previously had his work exhibited in Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre, Samlesbury Hall, Darwen and Blackburn Libraries as well as Rhubarb Cafe in Blackburn Visitor Centre.

The former Darwen Moorland High School pupil has a variety of art qualifications under his belt and now hopes the success will help his future work and would also like to be asked to do the cards again next year.