THE artist father of murdered backpacker Caroline Stuttle has closed the doors of his studio for the last time.

After 33 years, Alan Stuttle has said goodbye to his premises in Micklegate, York, and now plans to follow in the adventurous footsteps of his daughter.

The 64-year-old was inspir-ed by the spirit of Caroline to sell the studio and use the proceeds to travel the world.

Mr Stuttle, who has painted hundreds of images of York over the years, arrived in the city in 1970 and lived above the premises, which was then a pet shop.

When the shop's owners retired, they offered it to Mr Stuttle rent-free, so he could open a gallery. It was then left to him when they died.

"They were wonderful people and helped me realise my dream of opening a gallery," he said.

"We've been exceptionally busy over the years and I've met some wonderful people."

The artist now plans to paint the seven wonders of the world, before returning to set up a trust fund to provide financial support for other teenagers wanting to travel.

His 19-year-old daughter, a former York College student, was killed a year ago while on a gap-year backpacking trip in Australia.

Ian Douglas Previte, a 30-year-old Australian, has been charged with her murder following a long investigation by Queensland detectives. His committal hearing will be heard tomorrow.

"It's a new beginning for me," said Mr Stuttle. "It has been a wonderful adventure. I'm sad, but it is necessary after all that has happened to me and my wife, Marjorie."

The shop is to be turned into a hairstylists' and beauticians' salon.

Any customers who have ordered paintings from the gallery can still collect them from the shop this week.