A WORCESTER artist who gifted his artwork to famous comedian David Walliams says it feels surreal.

Wayne Henley, aged 54, was inspired to pick up a pencil three years ago after the birth of his first grandchild, Joel.

He said: “I was looking for something to get him to mark the occasion. I wanted to do something special. I was walking around the Range and wandered to the art department. This inspired me to do a drawing.”

Mr Henley works at Yamazaki Mazak as a computer programmer where he has been for over 30 years. In his spare time, he pursues his passion for art and has been spending his free time creating commissions across the globe for sporting fans.

READ MORE:

Worcester woman who used to 'devour 24 packets of crisps' daily has lost 144lbs

Worcester woman’s ‘verruca’ turned out to be cancer

'Sobriety tags' will alert police when alcoholic criminals drink booze

Late last year, he was contacted to create a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the classic film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. David Walliams, who is currently starring on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, picked up the original copy of the commemorative artwork.

Mr Henley added: “I gave the original copy to David Walliams as I’m a big fan of his. He is just old school and so down to earth. A close friend of mine was filming for a TV programme in London and I knew David was going to be there so I asked if they could present it to him."

He added: “It’s amazing. it’s nice that people are interested in my work. As I’ve only been doing it for three years, I am still pinching myself that people are liking my work. It feels surreal.”

He had 50 copies printed to mark the anniversary. A print of the original also resides in America with movie legend, Dick Van Dyke.

It takes between 60 and 200 hours for Mr Henley to complete a drawing.

To view Mr Henley's work, visit here.