A RETIRED SEN teacher and avid cyclist will have his artwork displayed for the first time.

Peter Ruddock, 65, from Wickford was an SEN teacher at Valentine's High School in Ilford and is now a member of the Essex Cycle Touring Club.

During one of his regular rides in the area, he visited the Purleigh Bell pub.

Landlady Kirsten Webb invited him to submit his artwork after hearing him speaking about his paintings.

He has now listed 90 paintings since October and spends most evenings painting in a cabin in his garden.

He said: “I had never exhibited any of my work, so I was very surprised and shocked to be offered a two-week slot.

“I am excited but scared at the same time.

“I always take the opportunity to encourage anyone I talk to to set their preconceived ideas aside and have a go themselves.

“If I can do it, so can you.”

Peters’ artwork can be viewed at peterruddockartwork.com and will be displayed at the Purleigh Bell pub in Purleigh from Friday, July 15 until Friday, July 29.