WORK to catalogue the immense archive of a Haslingden artist – more than four years after his death – has been given a boost.

Friends of Dave Pearson, who amassed more than 15,000 pieces in a lifetime devoted to creativity, have campaigned to ensure his legacy is not forgotten.

And part of that effort has involved the painstaking reckoning of his extensive portfolio, mostly held at his former studio in Manchester Road.

Bob Frith, one of the directors of the Dave Pearson Trust, has logged 1,500 artworks over the past three years.

But now Ella Cole, a fine art graduate, has been taken on to assist with the task and the old studio has been fitted for wi-fi, to help with the cataloguing.

Earlier this year there was a retrospective of Bob’s work in London and a documentary on the artist was named a finalist in the New York Film and Television Festival.

Born in London, he moved north for a post at Preston’s Harris Arts College and lived in the valley from the mid-60s. He died in July 2008 after battling cancer.