BEHIND every successful man is a woman, so the saying goes, and in Christopher Kennedy's case it's his mum Anne.

She recognised his artistic talents as a youngster and pushed him to develop them.

The result was that Christopher spent two years in his natural father's homeland of Nigeria, studying everything from wood-carving to painting.

He is now back at home in Grantham Street, Blackburn, with his mum and step-dad - with a mission.

Christopher, who struggled back on the plane with all his works of art, now wants to open a gallery in Blackburn featuring African artists. An ex-St Bede's School pupil who spent time in the Army, Christopher, 25, lived in Ocean State with his father, who owns a chemical factory and is a local politician.

"I spent time at the Nike Gallery, which is famous, and did everything from painting on canvas to batik, stencils and wood carvings. I worked alongside two artists who gave me a good grounding in Nigerian work.

"I loved my time in Nigeria. It is a bit primitive but the culture was great and the weather was too. But I do like Blackburn," he added.

He has now filled his mum's living room with his work and is looking for sponsors for his gallery.

"I think it will go down well in Blackburn," he said.

He has also brought back a 90-minute film he made of African culture and dances.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.