AN artist who spent years in children's homes and with foster families is mounting a major exhibition in Manchester.

Robert Haworth, of Kime Street, Burnley, is exhibiting at the prestigious Colin Jellicoe Gallery, after his colourful butterfly drawings appeared at The Lowry in Salford.

Robert said: "I've been very busy and spend all day drawing and getting everything organised for the exhibitions.

"I've been doing art since I was eight but because I have moved around so many homes I've lost a lot of the stuff."

Robert's mother died when he was a baby and he was taken into care when he was 15 months old.

He lived in Blackburn, Preston and Barrow-in-Furness before moving to Burnley nine years ago.

He said: "I like drawing butterflies because I think they are beautiful and I watch their movements a lot. I really enjoy drawing and there's no way I'm giving up art until I have my claim to fame. I'm working hard until I get it right.

"I've drawn hundreds of butterflies but I want to get thousands done. I have learned from professionals that you have to stay with one subject to get noticed but once I am known I'll probably do other things."

Robert is launching his own website at www.iamthebutterflyman.com.

His exhibition will run until December.

Take a look at the site...