AN international comic book artist is to draw on his experience to offer staff stress-busting sessions.

Blackburn-based Tim Perkins is holding the unusual scheme, which will let employees design a comic book or storyboard in a bid to help them relax.

It is hoped the course will cut the number of days lost to illness.

According to the Government, 1.7million working days were lost to stress last year, costing businesses £3.7billion.

Tim, who has drawn for some of the world's most famous publications, and design company House of Trix have teamed up to offer the classes called Creativity for Professionals.

Chris Trickett of House of Trix, based at Eanam Wharf Business Development Centre, Blackburn, said: "The course is not just about learning to draw and paint, it is also a valuable resource for creating rapport within your team.

"It is a great leveller across staffing levels and will grow teams and help management understand the minds and personalities of their staff.

"The course is geared up to suit each individual and will focus on personal development with a real sense of enjoyment."

Blackburn-born Tim is director of Wizards Keep Ltd based at his home studio.

The married father-of-two has worked for legendary comics including Marvel, the creators of Spiderman and X-Men, DC, the creators of Superman and Batman, and 2000AD, famous for Judge Dredd.

He has also worked for Warner Bros, The Sci Fi channel and Disney. He is currently producing a brand new graphic novel called Worlds End.

He said: "We feel there is a niche in the training and networking market for a group to come together, not just to get business from one another but to collaborate and mix with one common agenda - a willingness to be creative and share ideas.

"Common working practices often create constraints upon the human psyche to explore logical solutions.

"Businesses spend a fortune on high-end creative consultants to solve company communication problems, when all that is required is the up-skilling of your team to start finding solutions with imaginative thinking."

To book a place contact Chris on 01254 56557.