AN artist who enjoys sketching churches in Wyre Forest is hoping his pictures can be used to raise vital funds.

Dick Skilton has drawn many churches in the district, including St Mary and All Saints, as well as St Barnabas in Kidderminster, St Anne's in Bewdley and St Bartholomew's in Areley Kings.

The 57-year-old, who is self-taught, said he had always been interested in churches and had also visited ones in Staffordshire and Shropshire.

He said: "I have been drawing them all my life. I take photos and do sketches and then I work on them at home. Some will take a couple of days."

Mr Skilton, who is retired, said he also enjoyed drawing landscapes and has sketched the railway stations along the Severn Valley Railway.

The artist, who lives in Highley, said he hoped his pictures could be used by churches which wanted to raise money, adding: "I think it is a good way my drawings can be used by people in the church community."

For further information, contact Mr Skilton on 01746 862003.