ARTISTS from Worcestershire have spent one of their group zoom calls drawing the late Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Before lockdown the Evesham group would meet fortnightly on a Saturday morning, with the group members taking it in turns hosting the meeting in their home.

Mike Bagshaw, who came up with the idea to draw Captain Tom,said: “Since the Covid crisis hit we have started to meet on zoom.

“Each session usually comprises a presentation and talk on an art subject followed by a drawing practice using photos.

“It was my idea to start the zoom meetings because we obviously couldn’t meet in each other’s houses.

“I thought the group would appreciate drawing Captain Tom because he’s been an inspirational figure.

“I’m not necessarily a flag waving, patriot type of person, but I did recognise a British man who has served in the wars doing a great thing, and we are all great supporters of the NHS regardless of our political views.

“There is a range of political views in the group but we’re interested in our shared passion and with Captain Tom we can all share our admiration for a man who did a great thing.

“Some of the drawings were finished after the meeting, others were completed in the session.

“There are a range of styles and we hope we have done justice to a great character.

“The session lasted half an hour, and they are always quite relaxed and everybody does draw during the sessions.”

Mike added: “The group is a good example of community getting together and sharing that passion.

“Each one of the group hosts the meeting in their home which we rotate.

“It’s the job of the host to provide a ‘sitter’ which is usually a friend or, family member.

“It’s a great way to have a friendly chat.

“It’s been like meditation and it was great to create this portrait of an inspirational figure.”

It was announced Captain Tom had died at the age of 100 last week, after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for coronavirus last week.

Captain Tom set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday last April. He went on to raise an astonishing £33m.