A BREWERY worker is realising a dream by staging his first art exhibition - thanks to high blood pressure!

Brian Elmer, 53, of St Peter's Close, Darwen, takes over the Theatre Room in the town's library between November 30 and December 20.

The exhibition marks a swift improvement in Mr Elmer from novice to accomplished artist since he gave more time to his hobby to combat a blood pressure problem.

Mr Elmer, a union and safety representative at Blackburn's Daniel Thwaites Brewery, always had a flair for drawing - particularly pencil sketches of buildings and ink landscape.

But he became bored with the same old styles as he practised more and started to ponder the effect colour would have on his efforts.

After watching 'Watercolour Challenge' on TV, Brian decided to have a go.

Early efforts were disappointing but Brian was undeterred and signed up for classes at Darwen's Valley Arts Centre from local artist Alan Fielding once a week.

Mr Fielding encouraged his pupil to persevere despite him finding it difficult to paint over his detailed drawings.

Mr Elmer added: "I am becoming much better at learning how to draw in preparation for painting, rather than as an end in itself.

"I work mostly from photographs and did a portrait of the late Queen Mother from a magazine cover. Several of Darwen's more well-known buildings feature in my collection."

Despite his progress, Brian admits to being quite nervous at the thought of a forthcoming exhibition.

He added: "It's one thing enjoying and admiring your own work and showing it to other enthusiasts at art class, but quite another to have a discerning public scrutinise my paintings."

Brian hopes that some of his works may sell and help him to buy some quality brushes so that he can continue his hobby into retirement.