A POLICE officer who spends his spare time painting pictures of wildlife is to have an exhibition of his work in Newcastle.

Paul Henery, wildlife liaison officer for Northumbria Police, was the inspiration for the BBC TV series Badger.

He has won awards for his artwork and is holding his first solo exhibition.

By day, PC Henery investigates crimes including badger baiting, the taking of rare birds' eggs and the theft of falcons. He was a consultant for the BBC drama series.

He has also appeared on Channel 4's Wildlife Cop and Channel 5's Eco-Warrior.

His artwork is on show at Newcastle's Hancock Museum, in an exhibition called Life in the Landscape, which opened on Saturday and runs until Saturday, November 24.

In 1998, PC Henery was voted British Birds Bird Illustrator of the Year.

Museum curator Steve McLean said: "Paul has an excellent relationship with the Hancock, both in his role as police wildlife liaison officer and now as an artist.

"We are very pleased to have on show so many wonderful paintings. We are excited to be the first place to hold a solo show by such a critically-acclaimed local artist."

The Hancock is also hosting the BBC's Walking with Dinosaurs exhibition.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.