Doctorate for 86-year-old artist

Mr Wilde has worked as an art teacher and illustrator

An artist who grew up yards from London's Tate Gallery is set to become one of England's oldest graduates after completing a PhD at the age of 86.

Louis Wilde, from Baildon, West Yorkshire, decided to go back into education in his late 70s.

The six-year PhD course at Leeds Metropolitan University has taken him seven-and-a-half years to complete as he battled several bouts of ill-health.

Mr Wilde, who has four grandchildren, will graduate in July.

Mathematical patterns

Mr Wilde, who was born in Millbank, Westminster, said he grew up with a passion for art and worked as an illustrator before teaching art at several West Yorkshire schools.

Of his doctorate, a study of mathematical patterns in art, he said: "It was another mountain to climb, but I wanted to climb it.

"You just have to keep pushing yourself and challenging yourself through life. It gave me a lot of headaches but I did it."

Mr Wilde has worked as an artist throughout his life and staged various exhibitions and one-man shows.

He said: "I've sold a few in my time, but that's not the reason I do it. I do it for me, and for the pleasure it gives me.

"I think I'll have a rest now, though not for too long."

Some of Mr Wilde's work is being displayed at the university's gallery for the next two weeks.