ONE of Preston's major landmarks has been immortalised by a world famous illustrator.

The 110-year-old Harris Museum and Art Gallery has been given a fitting tribute from Quentin Blake, most well-known for his work with Roald Dahl.

He did the illustration of himself sat on top of the Grade I listed building especially for the museum as part of an exclusive exhibition celebrating fifty years of his unmistakeable work, that is only being shown at two other places in the country, London and Aberdeen.

And so far the exhibition, which started on April 6, is proving one of the most popular the museum has ever hosted.

In the four days of the Bank Holiday, more than 1000 people have poured in for a look at the special picture.

Lindsay Taylor, exhibitions officer, said she cannot believe its success.

"I knew it would be popular because he appeals to such a vast age range but we are anticipating this will be our most popular exhibition in the museum's history. It's an amazing achievement.

"We were thrilled he was going to come here because he's such a popular illustrator and it's so flattering that he's taken the time to do this for us."

Mr Blake, who has been drawing since the age of five, is known for his work in books like The BFG, which is one of his favourtie books, Revolting Rhymes and Matilda, by famous children's author Roald Dahl.

He has worked with other child and adult writers, and has even written and illustrated his own book, Mrs Armitage Queen of the Road.

He was also made the first ever Children's Laureate back in 1999 and has won award after award including most recently in 2002, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, which is the highest international recognition given to creators of children's books.

Mrs Taylor said it was his love of the Harris' splendour, which dominates the Flag Market, when he visited two years ago for the 'Baker's Dozen' exhibition that inspired him to draw the splendid building.

She said: "He really likes it and he thought it was stunning both inside and out.

"His reaction was like a lot of people's, you think it's lovely from the outside but then are even more impressed when you walk inside."

Visitors to the museum can purchase a postcard or poster of the illustration as a fitting reminder of the Harris Museum.

And Mrs Taylor said it was a great thing for the city. "This illustration is so much more relevant to local people because they know the building well.

"It should be something that makes the people of Preston feel extremely proud of their city."

The exhibition runs until June 20 and admission is free so there is plenty of opportunity to view this unique drawing.