AN ARTIST whose paintings are seen by millions of soap fans on Coronation Street has seen demand for his work take off.

Local painter Brian Bibby, 55, of Cemetery Road, Darwen, was speaking at a one-off showcase at Darwen Vale High School, Blackburn Road, to cast his eye over GCSE students' artwork.

Brian, who shot to fame in 2003 when his paintings were chosen to adorn the walls of the Rovers Return pub in the Street, was invited to the exhibition along with other parents because his daughter Naomi, 16, was one of the students whose work was on show.

The former Spring Bank Secondary Modern pupil arranged for the television pub to borrow his paintings through one of the soap's cameramen.

And since his artwork was shown on the popular soap, he has been able to sell a great deal of his artwork as limited edition prints.

He says his paintings depict "the destruction of the industrial North" and can be seen in most episodes of the soap.

One of the paintings is based on Eanam Wharf, in Blackburn.

The former plasterer, who turned professional follow-ing the inclusion of his paintings on the soap, hailed the school display a success. He said: "Some of the work was excellent and I've never seen an exhibition like it.

"The amount and quality of work was amazing as was the enthusiasm of the teachers."

The showcase featured paintings, sculptures and modern art based on a range of different cultures.

Brian added: "The energy of the teachers really sparks children's imagination.

"When I was at school, art wasn't encouraged like it is now - I was really impressed."

Head of art at the school, Kay Ramsey, welcomed Brian's attendance.

She said: "It was a superb night and a better turnout than ever before. There were lots of proud parents and it made me proud to be a teacher.

"To have the perspective of a local artist, who was so complimentary, made a big difference to pupils and parents as well."