THE daughter of a legendary cartoonist has visited the North-East to open an exhibition of his work.

John Ryan spent 43 years as cartoonist for the Catholic Herald and also created children’s TV favourite Captain Pugwash.

His daughter Isabel opened the exhibition at Ushaw, near Durham, and said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to see it all on display in such a special place.

“To be able to combine the different aspects of my father’s work – from his time at the Catholic Herald to creating a national treasure like Captain Pugwash – is a dream come true.”

As a child, Isabel was the voice of another of her father’s creations, Mary, in another popular children’s TV series, Mary, Mungo and Midge.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Isabel and Dr Alana Harris, who lectures in history at King’s College in London. It was originally due to be staged at the college but, due to renovation work, it was moved to Ushaw for the opening.

Up to seven years ago, Ushaw College was used as a Catholic seminary for the training of priests, but it has now been reborn as a tourist attraction, business hub and venue for events and exhibitions.

After leaving Ushaw at the end of the year, the exhibition will move to King’s College in London early next year.