Painting 'dream' for former boss

Sid Kirkham had been the director of a tyre company

A former company boss who was made redundant on his 60th birthday has had a successful new career as an artist.

Sid Kirkham, 66, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, who was the director of a tyre firm, has sold 250 paintings worth more than £60,000.

He has been preparing for his debut exhibition at the Art Bay gallery in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

"We all dream of doing something that we love doing, but very few of us have that opportunity," Mr Kirkham said.

"I've been granted that opportunity late in life, but better late than never."

He taught himself how to paint about three decades ago.