A TRIPLE kidney transplant survivor who followed his dream of setting up an art gallery in Waterfoot has been overwhelmed with the support he has received.

Father-of-one Robin Sharples, the owner of Milltown Art Gallery, has been surprised with how well his gallery and studio space has been received after spending almost two years trying to sell the commercial space.

Keen painter Robin, took an interest in art while he was waiting for his third kidney transplant in 25 years.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Cowpe with his wife Susan, 44, and daughter, Megan, 18, said: “Art to me is like therapy.

“I took it up when I could no longer carry out my normal day job. It enabled me to clear my mind and focus.

"When we struggled to sell the gallery as office space, we started to research artists and if there would be a demand for studio space in Waterfoot.

“We were really shocked by what we found, in a three mile radius there was about 60 artists.

“So we decided to follow my dream.”

The Burnley Road East gallery is now the home of three full time artists, as well as a picture framing business and a music producer.

Robin plans on local historians giving talks from the gallery and offering painting classes.

Rising star Chris Pegg, from Rawtenstall, will be exhibiting his latest collection at the gallery from May 7 and he will be followed by fellow East Lancashire artist Tony Howarth at a date to be confirmed later in the month.

Robin said: “I have been really pleased with the response the gallery has had.

"We are currently looking at new ways of inviting people into the gallery including fundraisers and painting classes.”

A coffee morning in aid of Rossendale Hospice will be held on April 28 from 11am.