ROSSENDALE artist Robin Sharples looks a picture of health – just three years after doctors gave him 30 minutes to live.

The dad-of-one was left fighting for life after he collapsed at home with an infected gall bladder which turned to septic shock and brought on organ failure.

He spent a week on a life support machine at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital where doctors also re-started his heart three times.

On leaving hospital he decided to take up watercolour painting to help him recover.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Cowpe with his wife Susan, 44, and daughter, Megan, 18, said: “I took up painting as a means of therapy.

“Even though I had no previous interest in art I had always been interested in local heritage and thought painting would be a good way to explore that.”

Apart from his brush with death three years ago, Robin has also had three kidney transplants since the age of 14.

He underwent his third operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary last year.

The former welder and blacksmith now runs a property development business with his wife but he hopes his artistic career will take off.

He said: “There aren't many industrial artists around these days so I give something different to the art community.

“Looking to the future I want to develop my artistic career and exhibit my work in local galleries and exhibitions.”

His artwork, which is inspired by nostalgic millscapes from his youth, is being showcased at the Oscars Gallery in Rawtenstall.

He has also been contacted by historian Alan McEwen to provide drawings for his new book.