A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND artist with cerebral palsy who had never painted anything until four years ago is to have his works exhibited in a Budapest art gallery.

Luke Walker, 28, from Hartlepool's Headland, cannot use his hands and paints by using a paint brush in his baseball cap.

Interest in his work has also been shown by an art gallery in Arnhem, Holland.

Mr Walker's mother, Diane, explained that her son began using a pencil in his baseball cap so he could operate a computer.

About four years ago it was suggested that he try painting at the Heel to Toe cerebral palsy charity at Pelton, north Durham and Mr Walker has excelled. A relative who has graduated from the Royal Academy of Art has also helped tutor him.

Mr Walker, who also has higher level maths and geography Baccalaureate qualifications to his name as well as a Princess Diana Memorial Award for his positive attitude to education against the odds, ultimately hopes to exhibit his work in The Baltic art gallery in Gateshead.

Diane Walker said her son sometimes goes for treatment to Budapest where he taught himself Hungarian. At one time attended The Peto Institute for cerebral palsy sufferers, and it was there that his art work was noticed.

She explained that Luke's work will be displayed in a private art gallery in the famous castle district, probably by the end of the year, and a special opening night is being planned.

She said: "Luke has no inhibitions about any form or style. He does the abstract pictures by using velcro in his hand, or he does more accurate work of buildings with the brush.

"It was a complete surprise to us and to Luke when he took to painting, He'd never even been able to hold a pen and in the beginning it was just brush strokes, but for Luke, nothing's a barrier for him.

He sings Karaoke and sounds terrible, but he just says, 'I enjoy it.' That's his attitude."

Mrs Walker said the family stopped by chance outside an art gallery in Arnhem returning to England. She told the staff about her son's talent and when they saw his work they expressed an interest in showing his abstract work. It is hoped an exhibition will be held there next year.

Mr Walker has previously had an exhibition displayed at Hartlepool Library and has also helped raise £2,500 for the Heel to Toe charity.