FOR most eight-year-old boys, a little extra pocket money means a fresh pair of football boots, a new bike or the latest computer game.

But for Sam Beukenholdt, from Darlington, it meant the chance to kick-start his art collection by commissioning his own oil painting.

After saving up his pocket and birthday money, the Abbey School pupil splashed out on a colourful painting of a Lego Lizzy Yarnold winning gold at the Sochi Winter Olympics, entitled Lego Yarnold.

The painting, by Darlington artist James Paterson, took about three months to create and will have pride of place in the youngster’s bedroom.

Sam, who has albinism and is partially sighted, said he was really pleased with the painting and is already planning to expand his collection.

His mother Jane added: “It had just been his birthday so he had a bit of extra money.

“He was lying in bed and he just said: “You know that money in the bank? Would I be allowed to spend it on a painting?"

“We were quite amazed. His brothers thought he was a bit strange.”

The youngster’s love for Mr Paterson’s work was sparked when he was bought one of his paintings for his birthday from Gallerina, in Darlington’s Duke Street.

“When he saw it he really liked it and asked for it for his birthday. We said to him do you not want a bike or a PS3 and he said no, he wanted an oil painting,” said Mrs Beukenholdt.

“That is where the idea came from to have his own one commissioned for him.

“We do have art in the family, and his brothers like painting and drawing but Sam prefers the collecting.”

Sam commissioned the painting through Gallerina and in doing so, became Mr Paterson’s youngest client.

Mr Paterson said: “I think it’s great. It is a nice thing to look at and it is going to be there forever for him.”

Gallery owner Richard Hindle added: “Sam is extraordinary. It has been very special for me as I spend all my time in the gallery convincing people that art is for all of us – even an eight-year-old boy.

“I think that is the best thing and I have loved being part of it.

"Art is a terrific thing to be interested in."